Haflong: Gobinda Chandra Langthasa, a veteran Congress leader of Assam, passed away at 1am on Saturday at Down Town Hospital in Guwahati.

Langthasa, 86, was admitted to the hospital a week back following a cerebral stroke. He is survived by two sons and two daughters.

Langthasa was born in Nutan Wadrengdisa village in Dima Hasao district. In 1952, he joined the Congress. In 1962, he was elected to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council from Gunjung constituency and was executive member till 1967. He also served as chief executive member of the council from 1972 to 1983.

In 1983, he was elected MLA from Haflong and inducted as cabinet minister late Hiteswar Saikia.

Langthasa's body was brought to his Haflong residence in the evening.

According to sources, a procession will be taken out with the body on Sunday, followed by last rites at Haflong.