Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang has expressed grief over the death of veteran Congress leader and three-time former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi.
Tarun Gogoi passed away on Monday at Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH).
He was 86.
Expressing his condolence, Apang in a statement on Wednesday said the news of Gogoi’s death came like a bolt of lightning from a clear blue sky to all.
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“In Gogoi’s demise, we have now lost a great patriot and statesman of our time. He was an amiable and endearing man with a towering personality and a strong moral character,” Apang said.
“He lived as a friend, philosopher and a guide for all of us,” the former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister said.
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Apang said Gogoi would always be remembered for his smile and being stressless at all times.
“He conquered anger, jealousy and temptation and followed the Gandhian philosophy. I pray the almighty to rest his noble soul in his heavenly abode,” Apang said.
Apang added that everyone should stand together and cherish Gogoi’s fond memories in the times to come.
Gogoi is survived by his wife, daughter and son.
The mortal remains of the Congress stalwart will be cremated at Nabagraha Cremation Ground in Guwahati on Thursday.