Nabam Runghi laid to rest in full state honor

The mortal remains of Nabam Runghi were laid to rest at Yupia, near here, with full state honour on Tuesday. Runghi, who is credited to be the person behind making Itanagar as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, died on Sunday night following a prolonged illness. He was 84.

Runghi was the first agency council member of the then North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) which later became the Arunachal Pradesh of today.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso and former chief minister Nabam Tuki along with thousands of people attended the funeral of Runghi.

Khandu said Runghi was a visionary leader who had convinced the then Governor of Assam BK Nehru to make Itanagar as the headquarters of the newly formed Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1975-76.

"We are thankful to Runghi for his visionary step and in recognition of his contributions, he was awarded a Gold Medal last year," Khandu said.