Shillong, Feb 28 (IANS): Garo National Council (GNC) legislator Clifford R. Marak, who spearheaded the political movement for creation of a separate Garoland state in Meghalaya, died Saturday at a hospital in Assam, hospital officials said. He was 68.

Marak was undergoing treatment for liver and kidney disease at the International Hospital in Guwahati, hospital sources said. Marak was later laid to rest at the Tura Baptist cemetery in West Garo Hills.

The GNC leader, who was elected four times from Chokpot constituency in South Garo Hills, was demanding a separate Garoland since the past two decades.

Marak first won an assembly election in 1983 as an independent candidate. He served as a cabinet minister after he was elected for the second term on a Hill People's Union ticket.

He later founded the GNC with its main objective to fight for a separate Garoland.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma visited his residence and expressed his condolences.

Expressing grief at Marak's sudden demise, former Lok Sabha speaker and incumbent member Purno A. Sangma said: "Marak was a true nationalist and patriot who spent his life fighting for the rights of the common man and also spearheaded the movement for Garoland."