Indira Goswami's death an irreparable loss: Tarun Gogoi

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the death of writer Indira Raisom Goswami was not only an "irreparable loss" to Assamese literature, but also to India as a whole.

Condoling her death, Gogoi said, "She loved Assam and wanted peace in the state which led her to initiate the peace process with the ULFA. She realised that violence was no solution to any problem".

"The Centre was initially sceptical about holding talks with the outfit, but was finally convinced because she had taken the initiative to bring them forward for talks. It is because of her efforts that the talks with the outfit have reached the present stage," the Chief Minister observed.

Gogoi hoped that the effort made by her would result in permanent peace in the state and those who are yet to come forward for talks also join the peace process.

November, 2011 was a very "sad month" for Assam, he noted and said, "We have lost two eminent personalities - Bhupen Hazarika and Indira Goswami - whose contributions have taken Assam to international arena."

Goswami, who suffered a cerebral stroke last February, died this morning at 7:45 at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital following a cardiac arrest.