Indian communist leader Basu dead

Jyoti Basu, a veteran Indian Marxist leader who was active in domestic politics for over six decades, died in eastern Kolkata city Sunday after a prolonged illness. Basu, 95, was the chief minister of eastern West Bengal state for 23 years from 1977.

Basu was admitted to the hospital on January 1 following a severe chest infection. Doctors said he was being treated for pneumonia.

Basu's condition deteriorated on Thursday and he suffered a multi-organ failure the following day. He was put on a temporary pacemaker early Sunday.

Communist leaders called Basu's death as a "big loss to the communist movement" in India.