GUWAHATI, April 20 � Senior photographer of The Assam Tribune Group of Newspapers Kapil Das passed away at a Chennai hospital at around 3-30 pm today.
He was around 50, and had been suffering from illness for some time. He was first admitted to the CMC, Vellore a few weeks back and was shifted to the Vinayak Mission Hospital, Salem, three days ago.
Das who had a long association with the Assam Tribune group lasting around three decades, earned acclaim for his novel themes as well as innovative treatment of the subjects of his photography. He shot into fame during the Assam Agitation by capturing the image of the mass movement in its varied hues.
A resident of Nizarapar, Das was actively associated with different socio-cultural organizations and had been at the forefront of social activities in the locality. His death cast a pall of gloom in the area as well as the Assam Tribune campus.
Das leaves behind his mother, wife, a daughter and a son.
The All Assam Students� Union (AASU) has expressed grief at the untimely demise of the photographer, saying that Das made stellar contributions to the cause of the State and its people during difficult times through his sensitive portrayal of a crisis situation. �The all-pervasive touch of humanism marked his works,� it said.
The Assam Photo Journalist Association (APA) has also mourned the death of the photographer. In a statement, the association said that a condolence meeting was held at the Guwahati Press Club under the presidentship of Chinmoy Roy. It also conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved family members.
AGP general secretary Sarbananda Sonowal, while condoling the death of Das, said that the State would continue to remember the late photographer�s works. Former minister Biraj Kumar Sarma has also condoled Das� death.
