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BirubalaRabha, Who Helped Pass Assam's Anti-Witch Hunting Law, Dies
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 5/15/2024 7:28:49 AM
Guwahati, May 14 Padma Shri awardee B i r u b a l a R a b h a , renowned for her fight against witch hunting, passed away at a hospital here on Monday after a long battle with cancer, doctors said. Survived by two sons, a daughter, and other relatives, Rabha, 75, was admitted to the State Cancer Institute of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on April 22 due to severe weakness, GMCH superintendent AbhijitSarma said. "She has been a patient of advanced stage carcinoma oesophagus since 2021 and was undergoing treatment at our hospital. She was put on a metallic stent because of difficulty in swallowing six month ago," he added. As Rabha's condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the hospital last month and was shifted to ICU on May 4, followed by mechanical ventilator support on Sunday as she developed respiratory distress, Sarma said. "After all possible intensive care, she breathed her last at 9:23 am due to multi-organ failure," he added. Rabha, whose son and brother were victims of witch hunting, had fearlessly led her NGO 'Mission Birubala' amidst extreme hostility in remote areas. Despite facing numerous attempts on her life by superstitious villagers branding her a witch, she continued her courageous work. Assam Chief Minister HimantaBiswaSarma expressed his deep condolences over the passing away of the social activist. "I am deeply distressed to learn about the passing away of Padma Shri SmtBirubalaRabha. Through her untiring efforts to end social evils.