Minister Confirms Safety After Zubeen Garg Controversy at Kaziranga
Naga students safe after tensions at Kaziranga University.
In a tense incident at Kaziranga University in Jorhat, Assam, a B.Tech student from Nagaland triggered outrage with insensitive remarks about the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, leading to a mob situation on Saturday night, September 20, 2025. Nagaland’s Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along, confirmed on Sunday that all 300-400 Naga students at the university are safe, with the situation now under control.
The unrest began around 8:30 pm and continued until 2 am, fueled by the student’s comments, which hurt local sentiments still raw from Garg’s recent passing. The minister acknowledged the remarks as inappropriate, emphasizing that such statements, whether intentional or not, were unacceptable given Garg’s revered status in Assam. The student in question has been relocated to a safe house, and authorities are coordinating to return him to his family soon.
Minister Along expressed gratitude to the Assam government, police, and university management for their swift response in ensuring the safety of Naga students. “There were no major injuries or untoward incidents, despite the mob’s anger,” he noted, crediting the collaborative efforts of both states’ administrations, including the Deputy Commissioners of Mokokchung and Jorhat.
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Addressing potential disciplinary actions, Along described the issue as sensitive but expressed hope that the university would refrain from harsh measures against the student or others. He urged Naga students and communities in Assam and Nagaland to exercise restraint on social media to prevent further escalation. “We are sorry for what our boy has spoken about,” he said, reinforcing the need for sensitivity in such matters.
The minister also highlighted the strong bond between Assam and Nagaland, referring to Assamese people as “big brothers” to Nagas. He called for mutual understanding and love to prevail, despite the temporary unrest. The university’s proactive measures ensured no harm came to the Naga students, who remain safe and supported.
This incident underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity, especially in diverse educational environments. As both states work to restore calm, the focus remains on fostering unity and preventing similar incidents in the future.
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