YAZALI :  The mortal remains of noted social reformer and Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) president Dr Bengia Tolum was laid to rest at his residence, Tolum Polyi, in Yazali on Friday.

Dr Tolum passed away at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, on Thursday at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, five sons and a daughter.

Several political leaders, community representatives, well-wishers and members of the public gathered to pay their last respects to the late leader, whose contributions towards indigenous identity, social harmony and education left a lasting impact on the state.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also paid homage to Dr Tolum and described him as a towering indigenous leader whose contributions to society would always be remembered.

“Paid my last respects and homage to Dr Bengia Tolum at his residence in Yazali. A widely respected figure and a towering indigenous leader of the state, his immense contributions towards society and preservation of our indigenous identity will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” Khandu stated in a social media post.

Members of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) also attended the funeral service and joined family members, residents and community leaders in paying tribute to the late social reformer.

Expressing grief over his demise, APC president Amar Sangno described Dr Tolum’s death as an irreparable loss not only to the Nyishi community but to the entire state.

“Dr Bengia Tolum was not merely a community leader; he was a bridge-builder, a guardian of indigenous heritage and a compassionate human being whose life was devoted to uplifting society. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” Sangno said.

He added that Dr Tolum’s contributions towards social harmony, preservation of indigenous identity, education and journalism-friendly public engagement would be remembered for generations.

The APC and APUWJ also conveyed condolences to senior journalist Bengia Ajum (son of late Dr Tolum) and the bereaved family, praying for strength and peace for the departed soul.

Among those present at the funeral service were APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo, general secretary Sonam Jelly, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha, members of the Ziro Press Club and journalists from different parts of the state.