Itanagar, Jan 29: Former Home Minister and Deputy Speaker Takar Marde passed away on Wednesday at a hospital in New Delhi following a prolonged illness.
He was 62 and is survived by his three wives, four sons and one daughter.
Born on October 7, 1964, to Late Takir Marde and Late Yasok Dulom Marde of Marde village under Dumporijo circle in Upper Subansiri district, the late leader began his primary education at Government Primary School, Aya Marde (Goda Putu). He completed his secondary schooling at Government Secondary School, Daporijo (1979–1984), where he actively served as cultural secretary and general secretary, displaying early leadership qualities.
Before entering the State Assembly, Late Marde served the people of Dumporijo and Upper Subansiri district as an Anchal Samity Member (ASM) and later as District Vice President from 1987 to 1992. He went on to be elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly from Dumporijo constituency in 1999, 2004 and 2009.
During his long political career, he held key portfolios including Home Minister, Rural Development Minister, Deputy Speaker, and Chairman of the State Planning Board.
Meanwhile, Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik and Chief Minister Pema Khandu condoled the demise, stating that the State has lost a compassionate and dedicated social activist who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the downtrodden.
The Governor said late Marde’s service and concern for the people would continue to inspire generations. Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, CM Khandu said late Marde will always be remembered for his leadership, wisdom, and dedication to public welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki also expressed deep sorrow over his passing, remembering him as a senior leader, statesman and committed public servant who made significant contributions to the development of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Alumni Association of Govt Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Daporijo has expressed profound grief over the untimely demise of former Minister and Deputy Speaker Takar Marde.
The Alumni Association stated that with his passing, GHSS Daporijo has lost a compassionate leader, social activist and mentor, whose contributions to student welfare and academic development remain unforgettable.
The Association members, led by Chairman Dosh Dasi Tamin, observed a two-minute silence in his memory and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family, praying for eternal peace of the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
State mourning declared
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Government has announced the observance of a day of State mourning on Friday as a mark of respect to late Takar Marde, former Minister for Home, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and former Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Marde, a respected statesman and a prominent leader from Upper Subansiri district, passed away in a New Delhi hospital on January 28, leaving behind a deep void in the political and social landscape of the state. Throughout his distinguished career, late Marde remained steadfastly committed to public service and played a significant role in the development and welfare of Arunachal Pradesh.
As per the official order issued by the Secretary, General Administration, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on Friday across the state and at all State Govt establishments located outside Arunachal Pradesh. All official entertainment programmes and celebratory government functions will remain suspended during the mourning period.
In a special gesture of respect in his native district, the State Govt has also ordered the closure of all Govt offices, educational institutions, and private business establishments in Upper Subansiri district on the day of mourning.
The last rites of late Marde will be performed on Friday with a State ceremonial guard of honour being accorded in recognition of his exemplary service to the State. The State Govt has conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and appealed to the people of the state to join in paying tribute to the departed leader.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu today visited late Marde’s residence in Itanagar and paid rich tributes to the late leader, remembering him as a distinguished statesman who served the state as MLA, Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the State Planning Board. He said that late Marde’s lifelong dedication to public service and the development of Arunachal Pradesh would always be remembered with respect and gratitude.
The mortal remains of late Marde were flown from New Delhi to Dibrugarh, and later brought to Itanagar for public and official tributes. His mortal remains reached Dumporijo by Sky One helicopter on Thursday. The final rites will be performed at his private residence on Friday, sources said.