ITANAGAR, Jan 9: Death of former MLA Boken Ete who was widely admired as a living legend for his exemplary role as a social reformer and a crusader for the causes of communal harmony, indigenous culture and school education, has cast a pall of gloom in Arunachal Pradesh.

Messages of grief poured in from the Governor, Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker, all of whom expressed deep condolences on Ete’s death who passed away on Wednesday last. 

Governor (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd.), condoling the sudden demise of the former MLA said that in his departure, the State has lost an iconic leader. In this hour of grief, along with the people of Arunachal Pradesh, I pray to the Almighty to give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may the departed soul attain eternal peace in his heavenly abode, Governor’s condolence letter to Dakpu Loyi Ete, wife of Late Ete  read. 

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, expressing his profound grief through a condolence letter to the wife of the deceased MLA wrote, “At this moment of grief, me, my family, colleagues in the government and the people of Arunachal Pradesh extend our solidarity with the bereaved family members and convey our deepest condolences. I pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.”  

Assembly Speaker Pasang D Sona expressing deep shock and grief over the demise of  the former MLA, in his condolence message said that late Boken Ete was one of the pioneers in the history of Arunachal politics who immensely contributed towards the development of the State which will always be remembered by the people. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Boken Ete was born to Lt. Kigam Ete and Mima Ete on March 1, 1922 in Bene village of present West Siang district and was a living legend of the entire Siang belt. Starting his career during the British era as an Agency Labour Corp (ALC) in 1944, he went on to become the 1st MLA of the 16th Along South Assembly Constituency when the 1st assembly elections were held in Arunachal in 1978. Late Ete was instrumental in establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission School at Aalo in 1966 and the VKV Jirdin in 1980  and  was the principal leader who led the people of various villages during the construction of Along (Aalo)-Likabali road in 1958-59. Being the strongest and trusted bridge in connecting the Galos and Adis, he also helped in strengthening the Keba system and was responsible for popularising Wet Rice Cultivation in the 60s. His tirelessly efforts to end the slavery system prevalent in the tribal society in late 50s is still remembered. Decorated with the Assam Governor Award for his tireless relief work during the great earthquake of 1950, he was also awarded the Assam Governor’s Commendation Certificate in 1958 and  Lt. Governor’s Commendation Certificate in 1978 for his untiring services to the people. Although he actively encouraged women empowerment through modern education and financial independence,  he was also instrumental in propagating and conserving the indigenous faith Donyi-Poloism. And  during times when there were no police, magistrate or judge and administration had limited outreach, Ete led from the front to maintain law and order and helped in establishment of the rule of law in the then  nascent and  evolving Arunachalee society.

Besides playing the crucial role in establishment of Aalo as headquarters of the undivided Siang Division in early 50s, he also marshalled the general public for construction of ALG at Aalo which was amply used in the 1962 Chinese aggression and the construction of road from Aalo to Silapathar by engaging villagers on self-help basis in late 50s. An ardent advocate of the motto of ‘Unity in Diversity’, he constantly upheld the age-old good relations with the Adis, Membas and other sub-tribes and clans of West Siang district. PRO Raj Bhavan, CMO, Speaker Media Cell