ITANAGAR, Nov 19: A state funeral with a gun salute will be accorded to Nabam Runghi, who passed away on Sunday at his Yupia residence, according to a government notification.
Runghi was the architect of state capital Itanagar, and also the first agency council member of the NEFA administration from the Nyishi community.
Governor BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday deeply mourned the passing away of Runghi, who was instrumental in the establishment of the state capital in Itanagar.
In his condolence message, the governor said Runghi would always be remembered for convincing the then governor of Assam, BK Nehru, to choose Itanagar as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
Describing Runghi’s death as a great loss for the state, Mishra prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.
Born to late Nabam Tajik and late Panye Yamar Nabam on 20 April, 1935, in Bobia village in Leporiang circle of Papum Pare district, Runghi was the first agency council member of the NEFA administration from the Nyishi community, and is credited to be the person behind making Itanagar the state capital.
In his condolence message to late Runghi’s wife Nabam Yania, Pema wrote, “It pains my heart to write to you at this moment of extreme grief. I humbly endure to share with you the saddest time 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.”
He said the news of Runghi’s demise came as a great shock.
“Runghi was able to convince the then governor of Assam, BK Nehru, to choose Itanagar as the state’s 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 was awarded gold medal in 2017 by the government of Arunachal Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to the state and the society.
“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,” the chief minister said.
Messages mourning the demise of Runghi are pouring in from various quarters.
The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) deeply mourned the passing away of Runghi and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
“Runghi was an honest leader, who led a simple and modest life throughout his life.
“The man behind the establishment of the state capital here, Runghi had made a debut into the community services in 1966 by his exposure of Bharat Darshan tour. He was appointed as gram panchayat member in 1968 and elevated to anchal samiti member and thereafter, zilla parishad member. He was eventually selected as member of the agency council of the undivided Subansiri district,” the NES said.
Apart from various other recognitions, the NES had also felicitated Runghi during its 7th general conference at Sagalee on 22 April, 2005.
Conveying condolences to the bereaved family, the NES prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and bestow enough strength on the family members to bear the irreparable loss.
Runghi’s last rites will be performed at his Yupia residence on 20 November.
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) also expressed profound grief over Runghi’s demise.
Recalling his pioneering and crucial role in the establishment of the state capital in Itanagar, the AAPSU appealed to the state government to rename IG Park in Itanagar as Nabam Runghi Park “in honour of the great and visionary leader of the state.”
The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) also expressed shock and sorrow over the demise of Runghi.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Runghi. He was a great visionary leader and his death is a great loss not only for the Nyishi community but also the entire state,” the ANSU said in a condolence message.
Conveying condolences to the bereaved family, the executive committee members of the union prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
The All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) said Runghi had played a pivotal role for the development of education sector in Papum Pare district.
“Under his guidance, many schools in interior places in the district were established. He was a social reformer and farsighted leader,” the APPDSU said in a condolence message.
The Arunachal Christian Forum also deeply mourned Runghi’s demise and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
