Arunachal MLAs demand inquiry into former CM Khandu's death

Arunachal Pradesh members of legislative assembly cutting across party lines on Friday demanded an inquiry into the cause of the air crash that killed former chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four others near Tawang. The demand for the inquiry by a competent authority was placed in the state assembly during the obituary reference to Khandu during the day when glowing tributes were paid to him.

Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin said he would work to fulfil the dream of his predecessor and called on all legislators to stand united to achieve the goal of a prosperous Arunachal. Describing Khandu as 'brother and political mentor' for many leaders in the state, he said, "The laughing Buddha who brought smiles to many left us with many dreams which need to be completed by us ... We should ensure that his dreams are turned into reality with concerted efforts by us."

Highlighting the developmental activities initiated and executed by Khandu, he said the Rs 24,000 crore prime minister's package for the state was his greatest achievement. Public Works Department and Urban Development Minister Nabam Tuki informed the house that the state government had already notified that it would name the under-construction new secretariat building and the model road from Bank Tinali to chief minister's official residence after Khandu as a mark of respect.

Speaker Wangling Lowangdong adjourned the house for the day after observing two minutes silence.