Former Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Neelam Taram dies at TRIHMS in Naharlagun

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Former Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Neelam Taram died at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science (TRIHMS) at Naharlagun on Friday morning due to prolonged illness, family sources informed. He was 66 and left behind his wife, Neelam Ben, three sons and two daughters, along with many grandchildren. Born in 1957 at Deed village under Yachuli circle of Lower Subansiri district, Taram served as a junior teacher from 1981 to 1983 before joining politics.

He was elected as the first MLA from Yachuli Assembly Constituency in 1990 and served as Civil Supply and Legal Metrology Minister in the Gegong Apang cabinet. He was the first home minister of the state from 1991 to 1995. He was re-elected from the constituency in 1995 and inducted again into Apang’s ministry as home minister for the second term until August 23, 1996. He was also elected as Congress Legislature Party Leader from 1996 to 1999 and served as leader of the opposition in the state Legislative Assembly.

Neelam Taram was credited with the establishment of the 402 MW Panior Hydro-Project at Yazali in 1987, and he was the man behind the creation of the Yachuli assembly constituency and the western divisional commissioner office at Yachuli in 1999. He was the man behind the establishment of the Yachuli and Deed administrative circles. His last rites would be performed at his Papu Nallah residence on Sunday.

Meanwhile, state Governor Lieutenant General K. T. Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein mourned the sudden demise of Taram. In his condolence message, the governor said that in his demise, the state has lost a prominent political leader who made immense contributions towards the socio-economic development of the people and state in various capacities during his long and distinguished political career. “He was a public figure of distinction, a visionary, and the pioneer of democratic values in the state,” the governor added.

Joining the people of the state in the hour of grief, Parnaik offered prayers to the Almighty to give fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss and eternal peace for the departed soul. Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, “Arunachal grieves the passing away of Neelam Taram, former home minister.” Khandu termed him a popular leader who belonged to the people and worked tirelessly for their welfare and growth. “Taram Ji, as a minister, left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our state. He will always be remembered for his selfless service. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved family members. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Khandu tweeted.

The deputy chief minister, in his official Twitter handle, said, “He was a true leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people. His contribution to the development of our state will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are always with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.” The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) also condoled the death of the former minister. Expressing shock at the demise of Taram, the ANYA, in a condolence message, said that he was the founder president of the organisation in the years 1976–1978. “His death is a great loss to the Nyishi community in particular and the state as a whole. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May the Almighty give enough strength to the family during such a period, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” the ANYA added.

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