ITANAGAR, Nov 18: As a befitting tribute to the founder of the present-day capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, Chief Minister Pema Khandu today unveiled the statue of late Nabam Runghi at the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Lekhi village near Nirjuli under Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).
The State government named the bus terminal as Nabam Runghi Inter State Bus Terminal in his memory in 2020.
Khandu expressed satisfaction in unveiling the statue saying that the people of the State owe it to the late Runghi for the State capital, which has grown and expanded in leaps and bounds since its establishment.
He hailed late Runghi’s perseverance and pursuit to establish the then NEFA’s administrative capital at its present location.
He carried bricks from Ita Fort, a 500-year-old heritage, to then Assam’s capital, Shillong to prove Itanagar as a major historical place and worthy to be made capital.
Late Runghi, the first agency council member of the then North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) convinced the then Assam Governor, BK Nehru, to make Itanagar the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
“This exemplifies his love for his land and people and his farsightedness for the development of his native place,” Khandu said adding that he felt himself fortunate to meet the late Runghi in person at his office after assuming the charge of Chief Minister and listen to his fascinating stories.
He expressed gratitude to the family members of the late Runghi, who were present on the occasion including his wife and children.
In respect of the late leader, Khandu announced that the bus terminal would soon get a facelift at the initiative of the State government.
Late Nabam Runghi was conferred a gold medal by the State government in recognition of his contributions in 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 NabamTuki, officials of the State Transport department, and Nabam clan members.
