CHOW INDRAJIT NAMCHOOM PASSES AWAY

ITANAGAR, Oct 24: CHOW INDRAJIT NAMCHOOM PASSES AWAY: Former Minister Indrajit Namchoom passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata today morning at 2 am following cardiac arrest. He was 71 and is survived by two sons and daughters. He belonged to Khamti tribe and was a native of Chowkham under Lohit district. Born in 1947 to late CK Namchoom, Indrajit Namchoom did his schooling from Don Bosco School, Guwahati and graduated from Cotton College, Guwahati. During his school and college days, he was part of active indoor and outdoor games and excelled in football representing India in Youth Asian Soccer Tournament held at Saigon, Vietnam in 1964 besides, Santosh Trophy in 1959. He started his career as a circle officer and retired as Secretary Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 1994. His political innings started in 1999 when he got elected from Chowkham constituency and was appointed Chairmen of Public Accounts Committee in the Mukut Mithi ministry. Later, he became a cabinet minister in the Gegong Apang cabinet. All his children including his niece and present legislator from Namsai, Nang Sati Mein were present when he breathed his last. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have condoled the death of Namchoom. In a condolence message to Dr. Anand Namchoom, son of late Namchoom, Governor said that Arunachal has lost a pioneer in sports and dedicated social worker. “A distinguished personality, Namchoom made immense contributions as administrative officer, Secretary, Legislative Assembly and later as its member towards socio-economic development of people, especial in sports and youth affairs,” the message said.Conveying heartfelt condolence and praying to almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul, the Governor said that people of Arunachal Pradesh will always cherish his fond memory. In his message to late Namchoom’s eldest son today, Tuki expressed pain and shared the grief with the bereaved family members.“The information has come as shock to me. I am aware, how painful it is to you to be deprived of the love and guidance of a father and the futility of these words of condolences. I hope my humble words of consolation would ease the grief even if a little,” he said. Tuki remembered late Namchoom as a stalwart and legendary footballer, first from the state of Arunachal Pradesh to represent India in an international tournament, who later joined government service as a circle officer and retired as Secretary Legislative Assembly. “Late Namchoom will be remembered forever by the people for his contributions as an able Minister, a seasoned Legislator, a responsible bureaucrat and an all time sportsperson,” Tuki said in his message, and prayed to almighty to bestow the family members with strength to bear the loss. “May the departed soul rest in peace in heavenly abode,” Tuki added. Rajya Sabha member Mukut Mithi in his condolence message termed Namchoom a pathfinder of sports in the state and a person who proved his worth both as an able administrator and a leader of the masses. “India has lost a noted sportsperson, who put this unknown North Eastern region on the global soccer map,” said Lok Sabha member Takam Sanjoy, who is also president of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association. “It is a sad moment for all that Namchoom is no more,” said Legislative Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong.“His passing away is a loss not only to the North-Eastern Region but an irreparable loss to the Nation,” the Speaker said in his condolence message.Officers and officials of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly also condoled the demise Namchoom and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. Finance Minister Chowna Mein, a close relative of the deceased said, “After toiling selflessly for the cause of the state, particularly all-round development, he has left all of us in vacuum, his family in an abyss of grief and darkness”. As the news of demise of the former Minister spread, a pall of gloom has descended in East Siang district.Expressing deep shock and grief over demise of Namchoom, both Education Minister Bosiram Siram and Union Minister of State (Minority Affairs) Ninong Ering in their condolence messages said that Namchoom was a very simple and straightforward man with amiable nature, who served the people with utmost sincerity and dedication.”While conveying condolence to the bereaved family, both the leaders prayed to almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear the loss. Recalling his invaluable service to the state, others who have deeply mourned his death included Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries and Arunachal Weightlifting Association and Eastern India Body Building Association vice president Abraham K Techi. Theravada Buddhist Society (TBS) of Itanagar paid homage to the departed soul by organizing a prayer meeting and lighting candle at the premises of Theravada Buddhist Temple here. “It is just cannot believe that he is no more. It will difficult to fill the void left by him,” the TBS said. Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee and Lohit District Congress Committee have also condoled the death of Namchoom and conveyed the parties deep sense of condolence to the bereaved family.