TRIBUTES were paid to Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury today following his death at the age of 72.

Mr Yechury was undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection at a New Delhi hospital after being admitted in a critical condition on August 19.

The Association of Indian Communists, the overseas organisation of the CPI-M, said it was “extremely saddened by the devastating news.”

A statement said: “Comrade Sitaram, a much-loved leader of the masses, was very familiar with Britain and the international working-class movement.

“His loss is immeasurable and will be felt for years to come.

“During Sitaram’s recent visit in July, he met with Rob Griffiths, general secretary of Communist Party of Britain, and Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the Labour Party.”

The political committee of the CPI-M said Mr Yechury had been an “outstanding leader of the left movement” who played an “important role in formulating the political positions of the party.”

It called on “all party ranks to unite and work harder to advance the struggle for an exploitation-free society,” adding: “This is the best tribute that can be paid to him.”