Kaziranga University was rocked by unrest on Saturday night after a derogatory remark about late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg sparked anger among students. The incident drew swift condemnation from Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along, who apologised publicly, while police restored calm on campus and the university suspended the student involved pending inquiry.
How the incident unfolded on campus
Tension broke out around 8:30 pm when a civil engineering student from Nagaland, reportedly frustrated about transport back to the hostel, made remarks that offended Assamese students deeply. A video of his words quickly circulated online, provoking outrage.
Soon after, groups of Assamese students and outsiders gathered near the Hunaru Hostel, escalating tensions. Police and district officials rushed to the scene, dispersing crowds and ensuring calm by early morning. Authorities confirmed there were no serious injuries.
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The student later issued both a written and video apology, admitting his mistake and stressing that his comments were not meant to insult Garg, an adored cultural figure across Assam. While unrest briefly disrupted life at Kaziranga University, officials clarified that the 300–400 Naga students on campus were safe.
Official responses and disciplinary steps
Minister Temjen Imna Along stepped in on Sunday with a strong statement of regret. Calling Garg “a pride not just of Assam, but of the entire Northeast and India,” he apologised on behalf of the Naga student community. He urged restraint, warning that “statements in anger or in happiness should not be given,” as they risk inflaming sensitive situations. He further thanked Assam’s leaders and police for their timely handling of the situation and confirmed the student had been moved to a safe house for his protection.
Kaziranga University suspended the student from both academic and hostel activities pending disciplinary proceedings. The management stressed its zero-tolerance stance toward any act that hurts public sentiment and asked students to refrain from provocative posts on social media.
Meanwhile, security around hostels and campus gates was tightened to avoid further flare-ups. Classes resumed under close watch, with officials noting that order had returned.
Zubeen Garg’s passing and public mourning
The controversy came at a particularly sensitive time. Zubeen Garg, 52, passed away in Singapore following a sea swim or scuba-related incident. His death triggered statewide mourning in Assam and heartfelt grief across the Northeast.
Seen as one of Assam’s most influential cultural icons, Garg was mourned by fans and dignitaries alike. His cremation with full state honours was scheduled for 23 September near Guwahati, intensifying emotions across Assam.
Minister Along appealed to students to be especially considerate during this time of mourning. “More than 300–400 Naga students at Kaziranga University are safe, and no untoward incidents have occurred apart from the initial unrest,” he reassured.
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He urged the youth to “avoid emotional outbursts on social media” and to respect Assamese sentiments during this grieving period. Co-operation between Assam and Nagaland leaders and swift police intervention ensured stability after the incident, keeping the focus on peace as the region bid farewell to a legend.
