The chief minister in a statement described him as a great friend of Assam and the North-East.
''He was my friend since 1971 who always showed deep concern over the issues related to the development of Assam and North-East. His passing away has created a vacuum which cannot be easily filled,'' he said.
The Chief Minister also recalled Pant's long and distinguished public life as Union Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
''In his demise, our country has lost a prominent public figure and an efficient administrator'', he added.