Govt to name an institution after Dr Tolum
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 16 May: The mortal remains of Arunachal Indigenous Tribes’ Forum (AITF) chairman Dr Bengia Tolum were laid to rest amidst a mournful atmosphere at his residence area in Param in Yazali, Keyi Panyor district, on Saturday.
Late Dr Tolum was remembered as a towering social leader, an ambassador of communal harmony, and a pan-Arunachali. His unsurpassable works in social and cultural sectors were highlighted by many notable mourners while paying tributes to late Dr Tolum.
Attending the last rites, Chief Minister Pema Khandu appealed to the mourners to “follow late Dr Tolum’s principle and vision of pan-Arunachal and communal harmony.”
The chief minister announced that the state government would soon name an important government institution after late Dr Tolum. He said that he would discuss the matter with the family members before taking a decision.
He also highlighted the role played by late Dr Tolum in the creation of districts such as Keyi Panyor. “He wanted road connectivity to Tali, and also sought major development for the Nyishi-inhabited areas. Besides this, he played a crucial role in creating a pan-Arunachal identity,” said Khandu.
Legislators Jikke Tako, Zignoo Namchoom, Mutchu Mithi, Pani Taram, Nabam Vivek, and Tai Nikio, Member of Parliament Nabam Rebia, state BJP president Kaling Moyong, NES president Prof Tana Showren, and AITF members were among the mourners.
DCM Chowna Mein, ministers Mama Natung, Balo Raja and Biyuram Wahge, MLA Toko Tatung, and several others also paid their last respects to late Dr Tolum.
Members of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) also attended the funeral service.
Dr Tolum passed away at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, on Thursday at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, five sons, including senior journalist Bengia Ajum, and a daughter.
The media fraternity joined the family members, well-wishers, community leaders, and residents in paying their last respects to the late leader, whose contributions to indigenous identity, social harmony, and education have left a lasting imprint on the state.
Expressing profound grief over his demise, APC President Amar Sangno described Dr Tolum’s passing as an irreparable loss not only to the Nyishi community but to the entire state.
“Dr Bengia Tolum was not merely a community leader; he was a bridge-builder, a guardian of indigenous heritage, and a compassionate human being whose life was devoted to uplifting society. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” Sangno said.
He further noted that Dr Tolum’s immense contributions towards social harmony, preservation of indigenous identity and education, and his journalism-friendly public engagements would be remembered for generations.
The APC and the APUWJ also conveyed heartfelt condolences to senior journalist Bengia Ajum and other members of the bereaved family, praying for strength during this difficult time and for the departed soul to attain eternal peace.
Among those who attended the funeral service were APUWJ President Dodum Yangfo, General Secretary Sonam Jelly, APC General Secretary Damien Lepcha, members of the Ziro Press Club, and several journalists from across the state.
