Tributes paid to former Aruchal minister, MLAs

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Oct 13: The Aruchal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday paid tribute to two former members and a sitting member who died recently.

Speaker T Norbu Thongdok initiating the obituary reference in the first day of the five-day session recalled the contributions made by the legislators for development of the State.

 While remembering Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Ke who died at a private hospital in Guwahati on September 4 last after a prolonged illness, Thongdok termed him as a public figure of imminence and added that his death had created a void in the state’s political circle.

The Speaker also made obituary reference in respect of Jully Siji who died on May 16 this year.

In the year 1984, he was nomited to the Legislative Assembly as MLA from the Puroik Community.

Thongdok further recalled the contribution of former deputy speaker Tadik Chije who died in his rented house at Nirjuli, near here on October 9 last after a prolonged illness.

Taking part in the discussion Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the sudden demise of Jomde Ke, who as a member of Team Aruchal had just started to bring reforms in the health department, is a bolt from nowhere. “In his demise, our state has lost a seasoned politician and I have lost an elder brother, who was more than a friend,” Khandu said.

Khandu also announced to me an institution in Ke’s memory keeping in view his contribution for development of the state. The chief minister termed Chije as a ‘down-to-earth’ person and also recalled the contribution of Jully Siji who worked for the welfare of the Puroik community.

Participating in the discussion Deputy Chief Minister Chow Mein termed Ke as a great leader whose death was a great loss to the state. Former Chief Minister bam Tuki termed the death of the three leaders as a great loss to the state. Opposition Leader Takam Pario (Peoples’ Party of Aruchal) termed Ke as a man of helpful ture and said that his death had created a void in the state. The PPA leader also termed Siji as a stalwart who was instrumental in creating awareness in social issues among the masses. He also lauded the contribution of Tadik Chije for the state.

Agriculture Minister Wangki Lowang, RD and Panchayat Minister Alo Libang, Veteriry, Animal Husbandry and Diary Development Minister Dr Mohesh Chai and Urban Development Minister bam Rebia also participated in the discussion. Later the House observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed.