Itanagar, August 12: Arunachal Pradesh’s former chief minister Kalikho Pul was cremated today at his native village Hawai in Anjaw district with full state honours. The State government had also declared holiday today so that people can pay homage to the departed leader.
Local residents, followers, officials of district administration and political leaders of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Assam were present when Pul’s body was cremated as per the Mishmi tribal rituals.
Also, prayers were offered at Theravada Buddhist Society unit for the peace of the departed soul, it is learned.
According to media reports, Pul, 47, who was Arunachal’s CM for a brief period between February 19 to July 13, had allegedly committed suicide at the Chief Minister’s official residence on Tuesday. It happened a few weeks after he was ordered by the Supreme Court to step down on July 13.
His body was discovered hanging from the ceiling fan in the room where he used to practice yoga. He is survived by three wives and four children.
Pul’s supporters had then assembled outside his residence and protested demanding investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into his death. They had also burnt down the plywood coffin brought for Pul stating that it was “not worthy of a popular CM like Pul.”
The State government has announced a magisterial inquiry into the death.
