Nabam Runghi cremated with full state honour at Itanagar

| 21 Nov 2018 5:05 AM GMT

Itanagar: The mortal remains of former Agency Council member Nabam Runghi was laid to rest at Yupia, near here, with full state honour on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso and former chief minister Nabam Tuki along with thousands of people attended the funeral of Runghi.

Runghi, who is credited to be the person behind making Itanagar as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, died in his private residence at Yupia on Sunday night due to prolonged illness.

Khandu along with cabinet ministers and MLAs laid wreaths and paid obeisance to the mortal remains of the former agency council member.

Speaking on the occasion, Khandu said late Runghi was a visionary leader who had convinced the then Governor of Assam BK Nehru to make Itanagar as the headquarters of the newly formed Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1975-76.

“We are thankful to Runghi for his visionary step and in recognition of his such contributions, he was awarded with a Gold Medal last year,” Khandu said.

The chief minister said when he had proposed Itanagar as the capital of Arunachal four decades back, he might had lots of dreams for the city on how it should grow in future.

“Today I am asking have we fulfilled his vision for Itanagar or not? My view is that we haven’t,” Khandu said.

“Runghi’s soul will be in peace only when we are able to stand to his expectations by making Itanagar as a beautiful city,” the chief minister said and appealed all to work together in fulfilling the vision of Runghi.