Guwahati News Desk: Veteran journalist Bhabesh Barua breathed his last in his home at Azara on the outskirts of the city at around 12:45 am Thursday. Barua was around 80 years of age. His wife had predeceased him. He has left behind two sons and three daughters besides a host of well-wishers. Several decades ago, Barua had edited a fortnightly newspaper entitled ‘Paxekiya Swadhinata’ from Palasbari. Later, he worked for ‘Natun Dainik’ and also ‘Dainik Agradoot’ as a correspondent.
Mentionably, (late) Barua was one of the founders of APCU (Assam Press Correspondents’ Union) that was formed at Guwahati in 1993. He was the first general secretary of this organisation. Since then, Barua has been continuously working for the welfare of journalists. Till his death, Barua was the adviser of APCU.
The mortal remains of (Late) Baruah were consigned to the flames at the Azara cremation ground in the presence of hundreds of his well-wishers. Among those present at the cremation ground were APCU president Abdul Khalek; members of the Kamrup District committee of APCU; members of the local branch of AXX (Axom Xahitya Xabha), local journalists of Azara, Mirza, Palasbari, Jalukbari; members of the Azara unit of AASU (All Assam Students’ Union), and members of several journalist organisations.
Meanwhile, condolences have poured in from various sections of society. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and I&PR (Infomation & Public Relations) Minister Pijush Hazarika have condoled the demise of the veteran scribe and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. They have also offered condolences to the family members of (late) Barua.
Condolences have also been offered by APCU working president Mousamjyoti Baishya, secretary-general Sarat Senchowa and all-district and sub-divisional committees of APCU; JAFA (Journalists’ Association For Assam); electronic and print media of South Kamrup and Dispur Press Club. The flags of APCU will be hoisted half-mast in all APCU units for three days.