Arunachal pays tribute to former CM Dorjee Khandu on 14th death anniversary

Arunachal Pradesh solemnly remembered one of its most beloved leaders, Late Dorjee Khandu, on his 14th death anniversary today, April 30. Fondly called the "Laughing Buddha" for his warm personality and compassionate governance, the former Chief Minister was hailed across the state for his visionary leadership and lasting contributions to development.
 

Born on March 3, 1955, in Gyangkhar village of Tawang district to Leki Dorjee, Dorjee Khandu belonged to the Monpa tribe and served the nation first through the Indian Army Intelligence Corps for over seven years. A decorated veteran, he received a gold medal for meritorious intelligence service during the Bangladesh War before stepping into public service.

Khandu’s political career began at the grassroots level, where he was unanimously elected as the first Anchal Samiti Member in 1980. Rising steadily through the ranks, he became an MLA from Mukto constituency in 1990 — a seat he won five times, thrice unopposed. Over the years, he held key portfolios such as Power, Animal Husbandry, Mines, and Disaster Management, before becoming Chief Minister in April 2007, replacing veteran leader Gegong Apang.

Re-elected in 2009, Khandu’s tenure was marked by a surge in development: reopening the defunct APEX Cooperative Bank with support from NHPC, securing Rs. 24,000 crore PM's package, initiating the Trans-Arunachal Highway, and launching major projects in aviation, education, and infrastructure. He was instrumental in ensuring that defence policies like AFSPA did not adversely impact civilians.

His tragic death in a helicopter crash on April 30, 2011, near Luguthang, sent shockwaves across Arunachal. The wreckage was found four days later after an extensive ground and aerial search. Despite the grief, his legacy lives on through his son and current CM Pema Khandu, and the countless lives he touched during his lifetime.

Earlier this year, Dorjee Khandu was posthumously honoured as “Karmavir” by the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society — a fitting tribute to a leader who led with both heart and grit.