Itanagar: Former Arunachal Pradesh minister Jotam Toko Takam passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness.
He was 55, and is survived by a son and four daughters.
Takam, who was elected as an MLA from Yachuli Assembly constituency in 1999 and had held portfolios of Ministries of Fisheries Labour and Employment, breathed his last on the way to Dibrugarh (Assam) for treatment in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Assembly Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju condoled the death of former minister.
In a condolence message, the Governor said that in the passing away of Takam, the state and the people of Yachuli have lost one of the senior public leaders who guided the state during its formative stages.
He said that Takam was a distinguished social worker, a far-sighted public figure and a promoter of democratic values.
Joining the people of the state in extending heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, the Governor offered prayers to the Almighty for the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and for eternal peace to the departed soul.
“My heartfelt condolences on passing away of former Minister from Yachuli Assembly Constituency, Jotam Toko Takam. In this hour of grief, my support and solidarity to the family members. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” Khandu said.
Condoling his death, Speaker Sona in a tweet wrote, ” Deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of former Yachuli MLA and Minister Jotam Toko Takam. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief. May his departed soul rest in peace.”
“I’m deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing away of former Minister and Ex-MLA of Yachuli Jotam Toko Takam. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. May god give strength to the family to bear this loss. Rest in peace,” Rijiju tweeted.
The Arunachal Pradesh unit of the National People’s Party (NPP) also condoled the demise of its state vice president Takam.
“It’s very shocking and heartbreaking news for all of us and the family in particular and with his passing away it has made a deep void in NPP family,” party’s state unit president Gicho Kabak said.
Takam was a great visionary leader who contributed lots for all round development of Arunachal Pradesh and will be always remembered by the people of the state, the senior NPP leader said in his condolence message.
Kabak said his untimely demise was a great loss for the state as well as country. The last rites of Takam will be performed on Wednesday at his home town at Yazali in Lower Subansiri district.
Meanwhile, the state government has declared a one-day state mourning on Wednesday as a mark of respect to the departed soul. During the period , the national flag will be flown half mast throughout Arunachal Pradesh and state government offices outside the state.
