GUWAHATI: A senior leaders of regional Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and a former minister in Assam , Biraj Kumar Sarma passed away at a city hospital on Tuesday. He was 70.
He was one of the signatories of the historic Assam Accord and a minister in Prafulla Kumar Mahanta-led Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) government in Assam.
Sharma was admitted to the hospital four days back. He was suffering from some liver related ailments, the doctors of the hospital said.
Sarma was a signatory of the historical Assam Accord along with Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Late Bhrigu Kumar Phukan. Sharma was also the convener of Asom Gana Sangram Parishad that led Assam Movement against illegal Bangladeshi migrants during 1979-85.
While Mahanta, Sarma and Phukan signed the Assam Accord, the government of India was represented by the then Home Secretary R D Pradhan and P P Trivedi, the then Chief Secretary, Government of Assam.
The Accord was signed in presence of the then Prime Minister of India Late Rajiv Gandhi on August 15, 1985. The signing of Assam Accord marked the end of the six-year-long anti-foreigners movement in Assam.
Sarma was elected as a MLA from East Guwahati Constituency for the first time in 1985. He was again elected as an MLA in 1996.
In 1998, Sarma was also attacked by the banned UILFA. He was critically injured in the attack while his one of his security personnel was killed.
Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal and Health, Education and Finance Minister, Dr Himanta Bishwa Sharma condoled the demise of Biraj Kumar Sharma.
“Saddened to learn about the demise of former minister and AGP leader Biraj Kumar Sarma. I offer my sincere condolence and prayers to bereaved family members,” Sonowal tweeted.