Digboi: Mukta Bahadur Chetry, a veteran trade union leader and former office bearer of the Assam Oil Company Labour Union (AOCLU), died on Friday afternoon at a private hospital in Dibrugarh after a prolonged illness. He had been undergoing treatment for multiple ailments for over a month.
Chetry, a resident of Itabhata, was a retired employee of IOC–Assam Oil Division (AOD) and served the AOCLU as secretary for several terms. He was known for his role in strengthening the union’s organisational structure and representing employee concerns through negotiation and dialogue.
Colleagues described him as a calm and firm leader who consistently worked for the welfare of workers and organisational discipline. During his tenure, he played a key role in articulating service-related issues of AOD employees and fostering unity within the workforce.
Apart from his trade union activities, Chetry was associated with various social and cultural organisations in Digboi. He served as treasurer of the Nepali Kali Mandir Samity and was involved in initiatives aimed at community welfare and social harmony.
Expressing condolence, social worker and former AOCLU president Tarun Hazarika recalled Chetry’s contribution to the union, describing him as a leader who guided the organisation during critical periods.
Several organisations and institutions in Digboi paid tribute to Chetry, acknowledging his lifelong association with employee welfare and social causes.
The mortal remains will be kept at the AOD Hospital morgue on Friday evening. The last rites will be performed on Saturday morning at the Itabhata Hindu Cremation Ground.
Chetry is survived by two sons, two daughters, and grandchildren.