HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Oct 18: The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has expressed deep resentment over the Assam government’s silence and inaction regarding the mysterious death of beloved artist and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19.
During a condolence and tribute programme held on Friday evening at the main entrance of Bodoland University in Debargaon, ABSU president Dipen Boro lit a ceremonial lamp before Zubeen’s portrait and paid homage to the artist, calling his untimely demise tragic and heartbreaking.
Related Posts:
Boro raised serious doubts over the circumstances of Zubeen’s death, questioning whether it was an accident or a pre-planned murder. He criticised the slow pace of the investigation and demanded justice on behalf of the people of Assam.
Stating that ABSU has no confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) currently handling the case, Boro demanded that the probe be extended beyond Assam to Singapore, where the incident occurred. He urged the government to hand the case over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation.
He described Zubeen as a guardian figure for the people of Assam and said that emotions across the state remain deeply tied to him. ABSU warned that unless Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ensures justice, it will continue its democratic movement across Assam with support from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the general public.
Referring to the recent violence in Baksa district jail, allegedly linked to the Zubeen Garg case, Boro called it an unfortunate incident and blamed government negligence and flawed policies for unrest in the otherwise peaceful Bodoland region. The incident in Nikashi, Baksa, was condemned by ABSU, which held the Assam Home Department accountable for its failure.
The tribute programme was attended by Bodoland University Vice-Chancellor B L Ahuja, AASU Central Vice-president Navjyoti Roy, ABSU General Secretary Khanindra Basumatary, Vice-president Khwrwmdao Wary, and a large number of university students.
