Khandu’s final rites on June 17

A file picture of Dorjee Khandu who was killed in a helicopter crash in Arunachal Pradesh. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar.

The final religious ritual of late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu will be performed in Tawang and West Kameng Districts on June 17 next, 49 days after his death in a helicopter crash.

According to Monpa tradition, a person takes rebirth on completion of final rites after 49 days of his death.

Mr. Khandu’s Pawan Hans chopper crashed on April 30 last at Luguthang ten minutes after take-off from Tawang helipad, killing him and four others on board.

According to Mr. Khandu’s family sources, lamas from Tawang and West Kameng districts would perform pujas for peace of the departed soul.

Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin and his cabinet colleagues are expected to participate in the ritual along with people of various parts of the State.

Meanwhile, members of the Memba community of Mechuka valley in West Siang district will conduct a religious ritual the same day.