Arunachal remembers former CM Dorjee Khandu on 15th death anniversary

Arunachal Pradesh on April 30 remembered former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu on his 15th death anniversary, paying tribute to one of the state’s most popular leaders, fondly remembered by many as the “Laughing Buddha” for his cheerful personality and warm nature.

Dorjee Khandu, who was born on March 19, 1955, died in a tragic helicopter crash on April 30, 2011, while travelling between Kyela and Lobothang near Tawang district at an altitude of around 4,900 metres.

Born in Gyangkhar village in Tawang district to Leki Dorjee, Khandu rose from humble beginnings to become one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most respected political figures. Despite receiving formal education only up to Class VIII in the Bhoti language, he carved out a remarkable career through determination, leadership and close connection with the people.

Before entering politics, Khandu served for more than seven years in the Indian Army Intelligence Corps. He was awarded a gold medal for meritorious intelligence service during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Known for his generous nature and strong public outreach, Khandu remained deeply involved in social welfare activities in Tawang, earning affection and trust among the people.

He began his political journey in 1983 as district vice-president of the West Kameng Zilla Parishad. His major breakthrough came in March 1990 when he was elected unopposed from the Thingbu-Mukto constituency to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

Khandu became Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on April 9, 2007, succeeding Gegong Apang, who had ruled the state for over two decades. He was again sworn in as Chief Minister on October 25, 2009.

Soon after assuming office, Khandu secured a loan of Rs 225 crore from NHPC and revived the state-owned APEX Cooperative Bank, which had remained defunct for two years following a major scam. The move brought major relief to depositors, many of whom were poor residents.

His popularity increased further when he pushed for opening a regional office of the Food Corporation system in Itanagar and storage godowns in remote areas to curb pilferage of Public Distribution System commodities.

During his tenure, Khandu was also credited with ensuring that the state’s sensitive border security environment did not adversely affect civilians. Though the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was in force in several areas, he was known for balancing security concerns with civilian welfare.

He also initiated several major infrastructure projects, including expansion of airport and railway connectivity, revival of the Pawan Hans chopper service, construction of a new secretariat complex, a new assembly building and the Chief Minister’s bungalow in Itanagar.

However, just as Arunachal Pradesh had begun accelerating on the path of development, tragedy struck. On April 30, 2011, the helicopter carrying Khandu and four others from Tawang to Itanagar went missing.

After four days of intensive search operations in the mountainous terrain near Sela Pass, wreckage of the helicopter was discovered on May 4, 2011, by local tribal villagers at Sajula, around 45 kilometres from Sela Pass.

Even 15 years after his death, Dorjee Khandu continues to be remembered as a leader of humility, warmth and development vision whose legacy still resonates across Arunachal Pradesh.