ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Former minister and former Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tako Dabi passed away at Tomo Riba Institute of Medical Sciences, Naharlagun, after prolonged illness on Thursday night.
Born to late Reken Dabi at Tene village in the then West Siang district, late Tako Dabi had graduated from JN College, Pasighat, and did his BEd from Dibrugarh University. He served as a teacher before becoming a member of the State Legislative Assembly in 1990.
Elected as member of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly for five times from the Nari-Koyu (ST) assembly constituency, he served as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and held the Home, Education, WRD, Agriculture, and Horticulture portfolios as Minister till 2014. He also served as spokesperson in the Dorjee Khandu government.
A veteran Congress leader of the state, late Dabi made immense contribution in the creation of Lower Siang district. He also worked to strengthen the age-old relations between Assam and Arunachal.
Governor (Dr) BD Mishra expressed condolences over Dabi’s sudden demise.
In his condolence message to late Dabi’ wife Miti Moyong Dabi, the governor expressed pain and grief.
‘In his departure, the state has lost a statesman, the society has lost an eminent worker, and the people have lost a great contributor to their welfare. His sudden demise has caused a great vacuum and an irreparable loss to the whole state in general and to the Galo community in particular,’ the governor said.
‘On behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, my wife Neelam Misra and on my own behalf, I convey our deep condolences to you and the members of the bereaved family. May Almighty Donyi Polo give you the fortitude to bear this bereavement and grant eternal peace to the departed soul,’ the governor said in his message.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has deeply mourned Dabi’s demise.
In a condolence letter to late Dabi’s wife, Pema wrote: ‘With a heavy heart, I write to share the grief of losing one of the most prominent personalities of political history of Arunachal Pradesh, late Tako Dabi, former minister, teacher and an influential and dedicated leader in the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
‘In his demise, our state has lost a seasoned politician and a person of high probity who was disciplined and committed. I believe, leaving this mortal world will not diminish the love and affection showered on him by the people and his god-fearing soul will remain immortal.
‘In this moment of grief, me, my family, colleagues in the Government and people of Arunachal Pradesh extend our solidarity with you and share the pain inflicted on you by one of the greatest truths of life,’ the message read.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in his condolence message to Miti Moyong Dabi, wife of late Tako Dabi, said that the state has lost a veteran leader, a mature politician and he a good old friend for ever in him. He further said that his demise has created a vacuum in the society and he will always be remembered for his contributions to the people of the state in various capacities.
‘Late Dabi was known for his straight forwardness, hard working and adherence to discipline,’ the DCM said in his condolence message.
Former chief minister Gegong Apang also deeply mourned the untimely death of Tako Dabi.
In a condolence message, Apang said, ‘Late Dabi was one of the most popular leaders of not only of the Galo community but also whole of Arunachal Pradesh.
‘Tako Dabi’s death has caused an irreparable loss not only to the Dabi family but also for the state as a whole. The void created by his death will not easily be filled in even in the years to come. We will cherish his fond memories in every occasion,’ the message said.
Apang conveyed the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolence to his bereaved family members and prayed to the almighty to give his kith and kin enough strength and courage to withstand in this tragic situation.
The rank and file of the state BJP also deeply mourned the death of veteran politician and former minister Tako Dabi.
In a condolence meeting at its party office here on Friday, state BJP president Tapir Gao said late Dabi was one of the pioneers in creation of Lower Siang district.
The rank and file of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) expressed profound grief and deep sense of condolence on the untimely demise of veteran Congress leader Tako Dabi.
‘Late Dabi’s sincere and dedicated service for the Congress party in various capacities and his remarkable contribution for all-round development of the state as a Speaker of Legislative Assembly and Minister shall always be remembered by the people of Arunachal Pradesh,’ the party said.
Recalling his close association with Dabi, APCC President Takam Sanjoy described him as a vibrant leader and a true Congress loyalist. ‘He was a compassionate human being, people-friendly, man of discipline and principle and a personality with a great political wisdom,’ Sanjoy said.
‘His death is an irreparable loss for the Congress party in particular and State as a whole. A leader of great stature, his immense contribution to build the party in the state shall always be remembered by the party,’ the APCC said.
In a condolence meeting at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan here on Friday, the APCC members observed two minutes’ silence and declared that the party flag will fly at half mast in the APCC office for two days from 19 to 20 January as a mark of respect and tribute to the great soul.
In his condolence message, former chief minister Nabam Tuki said, ‘The trends set by late Tako Dabi in all departments he had worked would serve as example for present and future leaders to follow.’
Terming Dabi a leader with vision and wisdom, Tuki prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Many PRI leaders, political leaders and members of the Galo organizations and gaon burahs of Lower Siang district have mourned the death of Dabi.
Former minister Bosiram Siram said that Dabi dedicated his life for the overall development of Siang valley and worked as a frontrunner for strengthening the social and political relations between Assam and Arunachal.
Koyu ZPM Takir Kakki and other PRI members of Koyu block also mourned the demise of Dabi.
Describing late Dabi as a dedicated and enthusiastic legislature, Sports and Youth Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak said that the services rendered by Dabi for the state as former minister, Legislative Assembly Speaker will always be remembered by the people.
Expressing condolence over the untimely death of veteran leader Tako Dabi, the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) in its condolence message said ‘the PPA is grateful to Dabi as ‘he is one of the leaders in the state who brought the spirit of regional politics in the state by representing PPA as one of its elected legislators.’
Besides being a senior leader, he always spoke his mind to defend the right, the PPA said adding that ‘the state is definitely left with a big vacuum in his absence.’
The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation in its condolence message said, ‘In Dabi’s demise, Arunachal Pradesh has lost a seasoned politician and a person of high integrity and someone who was committed towards the development of state.’
Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress also deeply mourned the death of former minister Tako Dabi.
Describing late Dabi as a true son of Arunachal Pradesh, the Youth Congress said that it would always follow the path of wisdom and leadership shown by the late former minister. The Tanw Supuñ Dukuñ (Apatani Apex Council) and the Nyoi Ao Welfare Society also deeply mourned the demise of former minister Tako Dabi. His contribution as Education and Home minister is immense, the council said in its message.
Expressing profound grief over the death of Dabi, the Galo Peoples’ Front (GPF) in a message said, ‘We have lost an advisor, a pathfinder and a teacher of all disciplines.
‘The Galo society has lost one of it’s real sons who was a fearless, straightforward and corrupt-free politician, a unique distinction in Arunachal’s context,’ the GPF said in its message.
GPF members observed two minutes’ silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
