Itanagar, Oct 20: Former Minister Karma Wangchu died at a Guwahati hospital on Thursday at the age of 86.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, six sons and many grandchildren.
Born in 1936 at Seru village under Tawang circle, late Karma Wangchu was elected to the first Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh from Tawang constituency in 1978 and served as a four time legislator.
Besides being a Pro-Tem Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, late Wangchu served as Minister for Health, Transport and Co-operation in the Tomo Riba Government (Sept 18 to Nov 3, 1979).
He was first from Tawang district to become a Minister in the Arunachal government.
Late Wangchu started his career in Assam Border Police (NEFA Police) during 1959-60 before serving the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) as a Junior Intelligence Officer-II during 1960-76.
As the Intelligence officer, he was posted along the McMahon Line for intelligence gathering and reporting. He was on active duty during the 1962 aggression and was assigned the duty of intelligence gathering attached to the Indian Army in the areas like Bumla, Mago-Thingbu and Zemithang area. He received certificate and cash award for his distinguished and meritorious service during the 1962 War. He was the recipient of the Silver Medal for meritorious service in 1972.
Meanwhile,  Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have condoled the former minister's death. They conveyed heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and admirers of late Wangchu, and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. The Governor said, “In the demise of Wangchu, the State has lost a patriot, veteran political leader and a great philanthropist.” 
Mishra said that Late Wangchu made immense contribution towards socio-economic development of the people and State in various capacities, during his long and distinguished political career. He was eminent social activist, who worked tirelessly towards preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the State and diligently served the people at the grassroots level, he added.
In a condolence message, Khandu termed Wangchu an institution in himself, a great source of wisdom, vision and guidance.
“The life of Late Wangchu ji will ever be a lesson and inspiration for us. Late Wangchu took to social service after retiring from active politics and in 1998 started the Choephelling Public School. ‘Choephelling’ means ‘Land of flourishing virtues.’ The school was meant for the destitute and orphans.
As a part of his philanthropic contribution, Late Wangchu till date provided free education along with residential facilities to more than 1256 children, mostly orphans, destitute and children belonging to very poor parents of the border villages like Mago, Thingbu and Zemithang of Tawang district," Khandu said.

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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
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