Matin Dai
Matin Dai laid to rest. Image credit - Twitter @sangnoamar/ @TapirGao

Former Arunachal Pradesh chief secretary and the first Arunachalee to hold the top post, Matin Dai, was laid to rest at C Sector in Itanagar on Sunday.

According to sources, the funeral ceremony was attended by former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang, People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) chairman Kamen Ringu and Pasighat East MLA Kaling Moyong.

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The former chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh passed away at Itanagar on January 31.

Dai was 86 years old.

He was born at Balek village near Pasighat in East Siang district.

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Dai cleared matriculation at Saditya under Tinsukia district in neighbouring state of Assam.

He did graduation in arts from St Edmund’s College in Shillong.

In 1956, Dai joined the government service as a base superintendent.

He was later inducted into the Indian Frontier Administrative Service (IFAS).

As per reports, Dai served in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

The former bureaucrat served in various capacities.

He served as the deputy commissioner of Bomdila and secretary and commissioner to the Arunachal Pradesh government.

In 1988, Dai became the first Arunachalee to become the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh. He retired in 1991.

As per reports, Dai played an important role in shaping the students’ movement in Arunachal Pradesh.

He was the first general secretary of the All Adi Mising Students’ Union in 1947 which later took the shape of All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU).

Dai is survived by his daughter noted writer Mamang Dai and sons – Ojing Dai and Otem Dai.

Arunachal Pradesh governor BD Mishra while condoling the demise of Dai, stated, “a distinguished administrator, was one of the first generation administrative officers from the state. In his departure, the state has lost the man, who tended the State through its nascent stage”.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu in his condolence message said: “A first-generation officer from the state, who held high post that of the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, Late Dai was an illustrious personality.”

“Born in 1934, Late Dai first joined Government service in 1956 as Base Superintendent. He was later inducted into Indian Frontier Administrative Service and served as Deputy Commissioner in West Kameng district, then secretary, commissioner and later elevated to the coveted Chief Secretary rank,” he added.

Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate demise of Shri Matin Dai, retired Chief Secretary of Arunachal who passed away in Itanagar on 31st January. I had a long association with him.”

“My deep condolences to the bereaved family members. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

East Arunachal MP and former Arunachal Pradesh president Tapir Gao tweeted: I am at the loss of my word with the news of sudden death of former chief secretary of our state Arunachal Shri Matin Dai ji.”

“I extend my deepest affection to his family. May the Almighty be with his soul and his family. Rest in Peace,” he added.