Gradually, people have started thanking the Chief Minister of Assam for whatever he has done for Zubeen Da. But why? It now feels as if whatever Himanta Biswa Sarma did, he only did to earn applause. But we must remember that even if he hadn’t done it, someone else certainly would have. For Zubeen da, without expecting applause, someone else would surely have done it. This is it. After seeing the applause, it feels like with lights, camera, action, the purpose was to put someone in the spotlight.
Now people are busy expressing thanks, but this responsibility of wiping tears for Zubeen da would have been fulfilled by any Chief Minister of Assam. Zubeen da was special—he taught everyone to see themselves as special. Yet, if people think the Chief Minister alone made him appear most special, then that is a mistake. Unfortunately, this mistake is part of a recurring pattern in our country.
For example, if we remember how the Hon’ble Prime Minister invoked the counterattack by Indian forces during the 2019 elections campaign in response to the Pulwama terror attack? Even today, the applause for the recent Operation Sindoor is being harvested. If not that, recall the charter plane incident to bring back Zubeen Da. Look at how the rightful demand for Zubeen Da by Assamese people is being dominated. Look at the denial of the solidarity march, which is not being allowed to be carried out in Assam, demanding justice for Zubeen Da. Look at the Chief Minister’s sudden hyperactive social media presence after a few days of Zubeen Da’s mysterious death. Also, CM is giving a break to the investigation during Puja.
Assam CM honoured Zubeen Da in Delhi, but then he went to Uttarakhand to perform Pitri Amavasya rituals at Narayan Shila temple. Did Assamese people note this? Do Assamese people perform these rituals?
I noted it, and I fear that all this “thank you” will slowly turn into a medium for seeking votes in the upcoming election.
At the same time, I fear that, like a cat digging a tunnel so that it could enter the Borghor—that the demands for justice for Zubeen Da could be paralysed by fear. That this demand will not be allowed to last long.
Due to a lack of sufficient evidence, justice will be denied, and verdicts will be passed without even releasing the autopsy report. Suspects will be protected, and in the name of “law and order”, lathi-charges will be unleashed upon those demanding justice.
And the pattern does not end there. Every election speech will begin with a tribute, Assamese speeches will be read from a teleprompter, it will be proclaimed what Zubeen da meant for the nation, and then, posthumous Bharat Ratna, probably! They will start taking his name in every event, like Man Ki Baat, and what not! But do they really know who Zubeen Garg was for Assam?
If the works done for Zubeen da, the showcased generosity and affection, are used for personal gain, there can be no greater shamelessness for the Assamese identity.
Politicians must not use a man who kept himself away from politics.
Zubeen da’s songs will keep us alive just as before. The artist who kept singing until the day of his death must remain free forever, unbound by society’s demands.
In Assam, the melody named Zubeen will keep resonating in the skies, in the winds, from birth till death.
We are the people of Zubeen’s land, and this land will remain his.
Sanjay Deka is a freelance journalist from Assam, based in Delhi.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or the organization.
