Itanagar: On the opening day of the 12-day budget session, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly led by Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona on Thursday paid glowing tributes to former Ministers Tsering Tashi and Khapriso Krong, who passed away last year.
The Speaker, while leading the house in obituary references in respect of the two former Ministers, said Tashi, who passed away on October 16 last year at the age of 69 after battling with cancer, was associated with various social and political activities since 1976.
Sona said he was elected to the second legislative Assembly and inducted to the Government as one of the five Cabinet ministers immediately after his first election victory by the then Chief Minister, adding he had held various portfolios, including PWD and Cooperative.
Late Tashi was instrumental in getting Tawang a district status in 1984 and in formation of the Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society, he said.
Paying a rich tribute to Krong, the Speaker said that the former Minister passed away on December 26 last year after prolonged illness, adding, he was 70.
“Krong entered into politics in 1975. He had held various portfolios and served the state in various capacities. He was known for his honesty and as an active social worker of his time.
His demise is a great loss for our state,” Sona said.
Taking part in the obituary references of the two former Ministers, Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that late Tashi was a first generation leader and a living legend who advocated for unity in diversity by upholding the age old relations with all other communities, besides contributing a lot for socio-cultural upliftment of the society and development of the state at large.
In his tribute to Krong, Khandu said that the state has lost a veteran leader of the Mishmi community who worked for the development and welfare of the people of the state.
He said that the state has lost many prominent leaders, but their contributions towards development of the state will always be remembered.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein remembered Tashi as a good friend since the 1960s and termed Krong as a veteran leader who worked tirelessly for upliftment of the society.
Legislators Ninong Ering, Karikho Kri, Tsering Teshi and Jambey Tashi also participated and paid their tribute to the departed leaders.
Later, the House observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed leaders.
