Golaghat, Oct. 12: Veteran AGP leader and former Assam minister Prabin Kumar Gogoi passed away at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital this morning. He was 66.

Gogoi was suffering from prolonged illness and breathed his last at 10.55am today. He is survived by his wife, Upasana.

Born on January 3, 1949, in Dakhin Hengera in Golaghat district, Gogoi was elected four times to the Assam Legislative Assembly from the Khumtai constituency in 1985, 1996, 2002 (bypoll) and 2006.

A prominent leader of Assam Agitation, Gogoi was the founder president of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP).

He was also one of the founder members of the AGP and a vice-president of the party till his death. Gogoi was the minister of sports, and food and civil supplies departments in the first Prafulla Kumar Mahanta-led AGP government.

Gogoi's body was taken to the AGP headquarters at Ambari in Guwahati today where floral tributes were paid by AGP president Atul Bora, and other leaders, including Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, of the party.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi and Assam BJP president Siddhartha Bhattacharya also condoled his demise. His mortal remains were later taken to his residence in Golaghat town, where people will pay their last respects to their beloved leader tomorrow. Gogoi's last rites will be performed tomorrow.

Gogoi was the president of Assam Football Association and vice-president of Assam Cricket Association. He was also a vice-president of All India Football Federation.

The Assam Olympic Association, the Assam Cricket Association, Assam Football Association and other sports organisations of the state condoled Gogoi's demise.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY A STAFF REPORTER IN GUWAHATI