Modi condoles demise of Arunachal minister Jomde Kena

The state government has declared two days state mourning from today and announced a holiday tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena, who died at a private hospital in Guwahati after a prolonged illness.

52-year-old Kena, a resident of Gensi village in Lower Siang district was undergoing treatment at Guwahati for the past one month. He died last night, PTI quoted sources as saying.

Kena, who represented Likabali constituency, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2004. He was re-elected to the House from the same constituency in 2009 and 2014. Kena was elected as Deputy Speaker during Nabam Tuki Government and served as Parliamentary Secretary under the Dorjee Khandu and Jarbom Gamlin ministries.

He is survived by his wife, four daughters and two sons. The mortal remains of Kena would be flown to Naharlagun today from Guwahati and then to his native village Gensi where the last rites would be performed tomorrow.

The state government has declared two days state mourning from today and announced a holiday tomorrow.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also expressed shock and grief over the sad demise of Kena.

In his condolence message, Khandu said, "In his demise, our state has lost a seasoned politician and I have lost an elder brother, who was more than a friend. On behalf of the people, I convey my deep condolences to the members of his family, friends and well wishers. I pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace."

OneIndia News with PTI inputs