Itanagar:
Arunachal Pradesh today paid tributes to former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu who died in a helicopter crash on this day in 2011.
Special pujas were organised at Tawang Monastery and the Buddhist Gompa here.
Mr Khandu along with four others onboard a Pawan Hans helicopter, including two pilots, died after it crashed in a mountain at Luguthang near Tawang.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, in a message to Mr Khandu's eldest son and former minister Pema Khandu, said the leader would always be remembered by the people for his strength of character, generosity, vision and kindness.
"The story of his life continues to inspire and remind us of his invaluable contribution towards the state during his long inning in public life.
"He spearheaded the state towards progress and development as the chief minister," Mr Tuki said in the message.
On a personal level, Mr Tuki remembered the times when Mr Khandu and he worked together to strengthen the socio-economic and political fabric of the state.
"His love for the state preceded any of his personal concerns and it was this aspect of his personality that endeared him to all his Cabinet colleagues. He believed in the ideals of our Congress Party and practiced them in true spirit till the very end," Mr Tuki added.
He expressed belief that Congress would be able to preserve Khandu's legacy in the larger interest of the state.