GUWAHATI, Oct 29 - Dilip Kumar Sarma, a leading activist of the anti-foreigner Assam Movement and who prepared the list of the 855 martyrs of the six-year agitation, passed away at his Kharghuli residence today. He was 73.
A joint secretary of the Swahid Aru Nirjyatita Nyas Samiti, Assam, Sarma took pains to collect all the information about the martyrs from various sources including their families and travelled across the length and breadth of the State for the purpose for four years.
Sarma had also been instrumental in initiating various charitable works for the welfare of the martyrs� families.
A prolific writer, Sarma contributed extensively to various newspapers and journals on wide ranging issues including the pressing problems of the State and its people. He was a well-known poet and short story writer. He was a key member of the forum formed for upcoming writers and artistes.
His last rites were performed at the Navagraha crematorium. He leaves behind his wife, three sons and four daughters.
Various organisations have condoled Sarma�s death, terming it a great loss for the State. All Assam Students� Union, All Guwahati Students� Union, Save Guwahati Build Guwahati founder president Dhiren Baruah, Pragjyoti Communication chairman Dipanka Hazarika, public activist Kailash Sarma, among others, have mourned his death.
