HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Sept 14: The mortal remains of the esteemed ‘Rangpur Ratna’, Romuda, also known as Pranabjit Chaliha, were laid to rest in the Phukannagar Crematorium on Thursday. The funeral ceremony saw the participation of hundreds of his followers, friends, and family members. Prior to the cremation, Chaliha’s body was taken from his residence in Phukan Nagar to the crematorium in a grand procession that passed through various significant locations, including Rangpurjyoti Club, Doulmukh Chariali, Muktinath Chariali, AASU office, and Peoli Phukan Stadium, making stops for people to pay their respects along the way.
The Sivasagar district administration, led by DDC Bitupan Neog, paid their respects by laying a floral wreath after a police salute. Several prominent figures also bid their final farewell to the departed social activist.
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Haren Chetia, vice president of Sivasagar Sports Association and a classmate of Pranabjit Chaliha, expressed, “Romuda’s death is an irreparable loss not only for Sivasagar but for the entire Assam.”
Rupam Kakoty, former AGP leader, recalled that it was Romuda who led the Sivasagar AASU to host the Central Executive Meeting in Sivasagar in 1979, and despite repeated requests from AASU leaders, Romuda declined the offer of AASU presidency. Social activist Pradip Borgohain noted that Romuda never compromised on anything that could be detrimental to the interests of the Assamese people.
Chaliha passed away at AMCH, Dibrugarh, on Wednesday at 2:45 pm, and his body was brought to his Phukan Nagar residence in the evening. It was kept there overnight for the public to pay their respects. In honour of the departed leader, all shops and business establishments observed a half-day closure.
