Arunachal Pradesh CM Khandu unveils statue of founder of Itanagar Nabam Runghi

CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: As a befitting tribute to the founder of the present day Arunachal Pradesh's capital city Itanagar, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday unveiled the statue of Nabam Runghi at the Inter-State Bus Terminal at Lekhi, near here.

The state government had named the bus terminal as Nabam Runghi Inter-State Bus Terminal in his memory in 2020.Khandu expressed satisfaction at unveiling the statute saying that the people of the state owe it to Runghi for the state capital, which has grown and expanded in leaps and bounds since its establishment.

He hailed Rungh's perseverance and pursuit to establish the then North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)'s administrative capital at its present location.

"He carried bricks from Itafort, a 500-year-old heritage, to then Assam capital Shillong to prove Itanagar is a major historical place and worthy to be made capital. Runghi, the first agency council member, convinced the then Assam Governor, B K Nehru, to make Itanagar the capital of our state," Khandu said.

"This exemplifies his love for his land and people and his far-sightedness for development of his native place," the Chief Minister said and called himself fortunate to meet Runghi in person at his office after assuming the charge of Chief Minister and to listen to his fascinating stories.He expressed gratitude to Runghi's family members who were present on the occasion, including his wife and children.

In respect of the late leader, Khandu announced that the bus terminal will be soon facelifted by the state government.Runghi was conferred with the state gold medal by the state government in recognition of his contributions in the year 2017.

Organized by the Nabam Welfare Society, the event was also attended by Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia, former Chief Minister and Sagalee legislator Nabam Tuki, officials of the state transport department and Nabam clan members.

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