Noted litterateur and veteran journalist Homen Borgohain, who had returned his Sahitya Akademi Award in protest against growing intolerance in the country, passed away at a private hospital here on Wednesday morning a few days after testing negative for Covid-19.

Widely considered the voice of the downtrodden and a conscience-keeper of the society for his writings, Borgohain, suffered a fall on Tuesday night and was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead at 6.58am. He had tested Covid-19 positive on April 24 and had returned home after testing negative on May 7.

The former president of Asam Sahitya Sabha had publicly announced his decision to return his Sahitya Akademi Award, which he had earned for his novel Pita Putra (Father Son) in 1978, in a newspaper column in October 2015 in protest against the “growing religious intolerance” and “fascist tendency’ in the country following the killing of a Muslim man in Dadri (Uttar Pradesh) for allegedly storing beef at home.

Born on December 7, 1932 in Lakhimpur district, the popular writer and incumbent editor-in-chief of Assamese daily Niyomiya Barta is survived by two sons.

He was married to another leading writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Nirupama Borgohain but they had separated.

The state government in its tribute said in the passing away of Borgohain, Assam has lost a great litterateur, who also immensely contributed towards the field of journalism. “His famous creations such as Halodhiya Choraye Baodhan Khai among others, will be cherished forever,” the government said.

The film based on his novel Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai, directed by the acclaimed Jahnu Barua, had won the national award in 1988.

His body of work included novels Saudor Puteke Nau Meli Jay, Astarag, Pita Putra, Timir Tirtha, Kushilab, Edinar Diary, Bisannata, Nisongota, Subala and Matshyagandhaa.

He also had several short stories and poems to his credit.

Before pursuing a career in writing and journalism, Borgohain had a brief stint as a civil service officer in Assam.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was close to him and who attended his last rites performed with full state honours at the Nabagraha crematorium on Wednesday afternoon, said the deceased writer-journalist was one of his severe critics.

“I had personal ties with him and took his advice. He was blunt in his criticism. It is a huge loss,” he said.

Sarma paid glowing tributes to Borgohain by describing him as an epochal figure in Assamese literature, adding that the state has lost a guiding light in his passing.

“He was a gifted writer who exhibited his prowess in all genres with equal ease. Borgohain had a deep understanding about human life and through his simple and unique style of writing eloquently highlighted its myriad facets. He has left an unparalleled legacy with his literary and journalistic contributions. His passing away is an irreparable loss and the Assamese society,” Sarma said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who mourned his demise. “Shri Homen Borgohain will be remembered for his rich contributions to Assamese literature and journalism. His works reflected diverse aspects of Assamese life and culture. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” Modi tweeted.

ULFA (I) chief Paresh Barua in a statement said Borgohain, through his writings, articulated the issues affecting the indigenous people of the state.

That voice fell silent on Wednesday morning.