ITANAGAR, Sept 6 - Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena, who passed away at a Guwahati-based hospital on Monday following a prolonged illness, was laid to rest at his hometown Gensi in West Siang district on Wednesday with full State honours.
Thousands of mourners thronged Kena�s residence to pay their last respects to the departed leader, who despite hailing from a poor background rose up the ladder of success to become a Cabinet Minister and an inspiration to the youths.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who was away in Delhi, cut short his visit and airdashed to Gensi, along with Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and State BJP president Tapir Gao, to see off his Cabinet colleague on his last journey.
Khandu remembered late Kena as one of the most down-to-earth persons who always had a smile playing whatever may be the situation.
�As a Minister and as elected representative of Likabali Constituency, late Kena did a lot. He would have done more for welfare and development of the people if his life was not cut short.�
Rijiju remembered Kena as a trustworthy, energetic and ever-smiling friend. BJP chief Tapir Gao, who shared a good rapport with the late Minister, broke down while recalling his last conversation with Kena over phone.
Before being laid to rest with full State honour, the body, covered with the tri-colour, was brought to the funeral site.
Deputy Speaker Tumke Bagra, former Chief Minister Gegong Apang, Home Minister Kumar Waii and several other Ministers, MPs and officials attended the funeral.
