Itanagar, Sep 1: Former Arunachal Pradesh minister Medi Ram Dodum died on Sunday morning due to prolonged illness, his family members said.

Dodum, 69, is survived by six children and grandchildren.

The Congress leader was known for his contribution in the horticulture and fisheries sectors during his tenure as a minister.

Governor KT Parnaik condoled the demise of former cabinet minister Medi Ram Dodum.

“In the demise of Dodum, the state has lost a veteran political leader and a great philanthropist,” he said.

He said late Dodum made immense contributions towards the socio-economic development of the people and state in various capacities, during his long and distinguished political career. He was an eminent social activist, who worked tirelessly towards the welfare of women and youth.

Offering heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, Parnaik offered prayers for strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu condoled the death of Dodum, hailing him for his impactful leadership.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Cabinet Minister, Shri Medi Ram Dodum, on September 1, 2024. He was a dedicated public servant with a legacy of impactful leadership and warmth, Khandu said in a post on X.

His adventurous spirit and commitment to public service will be remembered by all who knew him... My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and well-wishers. Om Shanti, he added.

The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) have deeply mourned the sad passing of Medi Ram Dodum, former cabinet minister and father of APUWJ's vice-president Ranju Dodum.

In a joint statement, the APC and APUWJ expressed their heartfelt condolences to Ranju Dodum and his family during this difficult time.

They acknowledged the profound loss and remembered late Dodum as a pillar of strength for his family, whose contributions and support had a lasting impact on those around him.

The members of APC and APUWJ extended their sympathies and prayers for the departed soul, hoping for strength and solace for the bereaved family.

“We urge everyone to keep the Dodum family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this challenging period of grief,” the media bodies said in a statement.

Dodum started his political innings in 1984 when he contested the Doimukh-Sagalee assembly seat as an independent candidate, but without success.

He joined the BJP in 1986 and later switched to the Congress in 1988. He successfully contested the Bameng assembly seat in 1995 and served as deputy minister of horticulture before being elevated to cabinet rank in the same ministry, including the fisheries portfolio, in 1996.

Dodum was also involved in framing the by-laws of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society in 1979, and was instrumental in forming the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA).

The mortal remains of late Dodum was laid to rest in Seppa in East Kameng district on Monday. (With PTI inputs)