ITANAGAR, Nov 19: Nabam Runghi, who was the first Agency Council member from Nyishi community and credited to be the man behind making Itanagar as the State Capital passed away on Sunday at the age of 84. His last rites will take place on Tuesday at his Yupia residence. He was conferred Gold Medal in the year 2017 by Government of Arunachal Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to the state and to society.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has joined the state in mourning his demise.
In his condolence message to Late Runghi’s wife Smt. Nabam Yania, Khandu wrote, “it pains my heart to write to you at this moment of extreme grief. I humbly endure to share with you the saddest times of your life though I know that it would be hard to do so and ease the pain you and your family are going through.
The news of sad demise of Late Nabam Runghi, the first Agency Council Member of NEFA administration has come as shock to me. As the story unfolds, Late Runghi was able to convince the then governor of Assam, Late BK Nehru to choose Itanagar as the state capital. Places such as Pasighat, Basar and Yachuli were other potential sites identified for state capital but lost the race to Itanagar due to his persuasion.  He will be remembered as a first generation leader, a pioneer and an architect of State Capital Itanagar and a great social worker. His demise is a great loss to the State, Khandu said.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh BD Mishra in his condolence message said that for his farsightedness, Late Nabam Runghi will always be remembered for convincing the then governor of Assam, Late BK Nehru to choose Itanagar as the State Capital. Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, the Governor said that Nabam Runghi’s demise is a great loss to the State. 
The Nyishi Elite Society while mourning Runghi’s demise has urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu to accord state mourning/funeral as a befitting tribute to the departed soul. The society has also urged the government to name an institution or an appropriate infrastructure in memory of late Runghi.
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) conveyed deepest condolences and prayers to family of Nabam Runghi. The union also appealed the state government to rename IG Park Itanagar after him honouring his great contribution.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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