Khandu’s death mourned in Meghalaya

Correspondent
SHILLONG, May 4 – The tragic death of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Dorjee Khundu and four others in the chopper crash in Arunachal Pradesh have been widely mourned here in Meghalaya.

Secretary North Eastern Council, UK Sangma said Dorjee’s untimely death is a personal loss for him as the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister was close to him.

“He was a just and kind man and his untimely death is a personal loss for me. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and also those killed in the chopper crash.” Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Eastern Frontier Chief, Inspector General, Maninder Singh Bhurji said he is personally saddened at the untimely death of the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

“I met him only few months back. He was a dynamic leader and was very supportive of the armed forces. He, moreover, understood the problems faced by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. I pray that his soul rests in peace,” Bhurji said.

Director General Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Rameshwar also extended his condolence. “On this sad and unfortunate occasion I share the grief of the families who lost their dear ones. I also share the grief of the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” Lt Gen Roy said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in his condolence message said: “It is with a deep sense of grief that the people of Meghalaya have received the news of the tragic death of Khandu, the beloved Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He was a leader who was well regarded all over the North East.”

“While his death is a deep personal loss, it is also a great loss for the country as a whole. The people of Meghalaya join me and my colleagues in extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Khandu and the others who have died in this tragic accident.”

Meghalaya’s Leader of the Opposition, Conrad Sangma also extended his condolences to the family of the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister on behalf of National Congress Party.

“We extend our condolences to the family of Khandu and others who were killed in the chopper crash. May the divine grant strength to the family on this tragic moment,” Sangma said.

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress held a condolences meeting and expressed profound grief and shock at the untimely death of Khundu and other passengers.

PM condoles Khandu's death

NEW DELHI, May 5 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed sadness over the tragic death of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, saying the late leader served the state with distinction and worked tirelessly to promote its interests.

Khandu was a veteran politician "who worked tirelessly to promote the interests of the state," Singh said in a condolence message to Rinchin Drema, wife of Khandu.

"Khandu worked hard for the development of Arunachal Pradesh and served the state with distinction after being appointed the 5th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in April 2007", the Prime Minister said.

The Chief Minister worked for the state's development with dynamism and energy, while holding a number of ministerial positions in the state government including power, he said.