Assam to observe 3-day state mourning in honour of Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the state government would observe a three-day state mourning in honour of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who breathed his last on Monday evening.

Sonowal also paid his last respects to the mortal remains of the former chief minister at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where the senior Congressman was undergoing treatment for post-COVID health complications.

“With the death of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, the state has lost a great leader. He set high moral standards with his selfless service to the people. I feel like losing a father at his death,” Sonowal told reporters.

On hearing the news of the deteriorating health condition of Gogoi, Sonowal cancelled all his official engagements at Dibrugarh and returned to Guwahati by a special flight.

From LGBI Airport, he went straight to GMCH to inquire about Gogoi’s health status.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. With his death, the state has lost an experienced, capable and efficient political leader,” Sonowal said in an official statement.

“The people of Assam will always remember his committed service and contributions to the state. His sense of humour, amiable and outspoken nature attracted everyone. He set high ethical values in politics with his simple life-style and contributed profusely in strengthening democratic values in the country,” he said.

(Edited by Andre Kongri)