Itanagar, May 14: Dr Bengia Tolum, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most respected social reformers, indigenous rights advocates, and former president of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), passed away at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, on Thursday. He was 69.

Dr Tolum, who also served as president of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), had been battling prolonged illness. His demise has been widely mourned across the state, with leaders, institutions, and communities recalling his immense contributions to social service, cultural preservation, and indigenous identity.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu described him as a “towering social reformer, cultural architect, and one of the most influential indigenous leaders of Arunachal Pradesh.” He noted that Dr Tolum played a pivotal role in strengthening Nyishi identity, promoting unity among communities, and spearheading landmark peace initiatives such as the Nyishi-Apatani Summit, Roing Declaration, Bomdila Declaration, and Namsai Declaration. Khandu highlighted that Dr Tolum was honored with an honorary doctorate in 2022 for his contributions to socio-cultural integration.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also expressed grief, stating that Dr Tolum worked tirelessly for the welfare and rights of indigenous communities through his leadership in AITF. Both leaders extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.

The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) issued a joint condolence message, describing his passing as an irreparable loss not only to the Nyishi community but to the entire state. They remembered him as a bridge-builder, guardian of indigenous heritage, and compassionate human being whose legacy will endure through his work in education, language promotion, and institution building.

Dr Tolum is survived by his wife, five sons, including senior journalist Bengia Ajum and a daughter. His contributions, from establishing Abotani Academy to supporting underprivileged students, have left a lasting imprint on Arunachal Pradesh’s social and cultural landscape.