Kokrajhar, Dec. 17: Bodo singer Dwikhrong Khunggur Basumatary, who was synonymous with revolutionary songs, passed away at his residence at Dotma Goybari in Kokrajhar district this morning after a prolonged illness. He was 52.

Basumatary is survived by his wife.

The singer was admitted to Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati two months ago after being diagnosed with throat cancer but brought home two days back.

Known for songs like Som jabai som jabai, Burlungbwthwrni sangara-sikhlafwr, sikhardw-sikhardw jwngha som jabai, he also sang romantic numbers like Ma agor erdwng agwi nwngni be rumalaolai, Swrnw horni sangdwng nwngni be rumalkoulai, Horgwn angnw laijamkou nwngni mabla and Besegwbao dongbaoyw nwngni fwigwna.

Born in 1964 at Gohpur in Sonitpur district, Basumatary rose to fame by singing at Tipkai in Kokrajhar district where Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma started the Bodoland movement in 1987. He travelled extensively with Bodofa, singing revolutionary songs.

Music lovers and organisations like the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, All Bodo Students' Union, Kokrajhar Press Club and Harimu Afad expressed grief over his demise. His body was brought to the Absu office here where people paid their last respects. The Absu flew its flag at half-mast in its central, district and local committee offices.

Absu secretary Kwrwmdao Wary said in a statement: "From the time Bodofa launched his movement, Basumatary's songs have contributed towards it. He will forever live among us through his tunes of revolution."

"Till his last breath, he sang for the people," said former Absu president Urkhao Gwra Brahma.