Padma Shri recipient and human rights activist from Assam, Birubala Rabha breathed her last today, on 13th May.

Rabha was receiving treatment at the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati, as per reports.

Earlier, the Assam Government had taken the decision to cover the medical expenses of Birubala Rabha.

Based in Goalpara, Assam, Rabha campaigned against witch-hunting in India, and runs an organisation called Mission Birubala which spreads awareness against witch hunting.

She was instrumental in the Assam Government passing the Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Act, 2015.

For her contributions to social work, the government of India conferred her with the fourth-highest civilian honour, Padma Shri Award, in 2021.

Assam CM announcing the sad news on his official X handle states, “I am deeply distressed to learn about the passing away of Padma Shri Smt Birubala Rabha. Through her untiring efforts to end social evils she illuminated the paths of scores of women with hope and confidence. Rising through a challenging life, she epitomised courage against all odds.”

“Assam will forever remain grateful for her leadership in serving society,” CM added.