Chow Thewa Mein former Arunachal minister dies after illness

Itanagar: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Chow Thewa Mein died on Monday after prolonged illness, his family said.

He was 80 years old, and is survived by his wife Bijeyta Namchoom, sonTseng Tsing Mein and daughter Sondita Mein.
Mein was the elder brother of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.

He served the people of the northeastern state in various capacities and contributed to its development during his long political career spanning 47 years.

Born on March 31, 1943 in Chongkham village, Mein did his schooling from the prestigious Don Bosco School in Guwahati and graduated from B. Boruah College, Guwahati.
He was elected as a member of the Pradesh Council in 1972. When the Pradesh Council was converted into a Provisional Legislative Assembly in August 1975, he became its member.

In 1978, he was elected from the Namsai-Chowkham assembly constituency and was among the first 30 elected MLAs from the state from the Janata Party.
After the assembly reached 60 on statehood in 1987, he contested from Chowkham constituency and was elected as MLA in 1995, 2004, 2009 and 2014.

He served as Minister of Horticulture in 1995 and Minister of PHE and WS in 1998.
Later, he also served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development in 2009 and in the Department of Environment and Forests from 2011-2019 until his retirement from active politics.

During his 47-year-long political career, he also served as Pro-tem Speaker of the State Assembly on several occasions.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed shock over the sudden demise of Main.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chongkham MLA and elder brother of our esteemed colleague Deputy Chief Minister Mr. @ChownaMeinBJP Shri Chow Thewa Mein,” he tweeted.
“A great soul and voice of the people, we have lost a great benefactor, leader and keeper of conscience. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, friends and well-wishers,” the chief minister said in another tweet.

Khandu added, “May Lord Buddha grant eternal peace to the departed soul.