Bodo movement leader Prem Singh Brahma dead

KOKRAJHAR: Bodo insurgent-turned-Congress politician Prem Singh Brahma died of cardiac arrest at his home in Assam's Chirang district on Wednesday.

He was 55 and is survived by his wife and a daughter.

Brahma, a prominent leader of the Bodo movement, was a signatory to the first Bodo Accord in 1993 that led to the formation of the Bodo Autonomous Council (BAC). He also served as deputy chief and later chief of the BAC during 1994-96.

Earlier, he revolted against the Plain Tribal Council of Assam (PTCA) and formed the Bodo Voluntary Force (BFC) rebel group. This subsequently led to the creation of the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT).

Brahma later renounced violence and joined the Congress, becoming the secretary of the party's Assam unit. He was the district president of the party's unit in Chirang at the time of his death.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary condoled Brahma's death.