The untimely passing of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has left the Northeast in collective mourning. His sudden demise on September 18, 2025, following a tragic scuba diving accident, has not only silenced one of the region’s most powerful voices but also created an emotional vacuum that is felt across Assam, Nagaland, and the wider Northeast. Zubeen was more than just a cultural icon—he was a unifying force, a creator of music that transcended barriers of language and faith. His self-composed gospel songs touched the hearts of Naga Christians, while his mainstream works made him one of Assam’s most celebrated sons of the soil. Yet, amidst this wave of grief, an unfortunate controversy has surfaced at Kaziranga University in Jorhat, Assam, where a remark made by a Naga student, Liseri S. Sangtam, on the late singer went viral on social media. What should have been a period of shared mourning instead risked turning into a flashpoint of misunderstanding and hostility.
Sangtam, a B.Tech Civil Engineering student, allegedly made remarks that were perceived as disrespectful to the late Zubeen Garg. Once the video circulated online, resentment grew rapidly among Assamese students and sections of the public. Tensions escalated at the Hunaru Hostel on Saturday night, with groups of students and outsiders attempting to stir unrest. It required the timely intervention of the Jorhat police, senior officials, and university management to restore order. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Sangtam issued a written apology, expressing deep regret and clarifying that he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of the people of Assam. He extended sincere apologies to Zubeen Garg, his fans, and communities across the state. However, the incident underscores how digital missteps can snowball into real-world conflicts, especially in moments of collective mourning.
Nagaland’s Minister for Tourism and Higher & Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along, quickly stepped in to assure the safety of all Naga students at Kaziranga University. He confirmed that Sangtam was being kept in a safe house and emphasized that Naga students remained secure within the campus. Along’s remarks struck a balanced tone—while he condemned the insensitive words of the student, he also acknowledged Zubeen Garg’s invaluable contribution to the Northeast and India’s cultural fabric. Importantly, he urged Naga students to avoid emotional outbursts on social media and remain sensitive to the sentiments of those around them. Kaziranga University, meanwhile, has suspended Sangtam from academic and hostel privileges pending investigation, while also deploying additional police personnel as a precautionary measure.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) expressed concern over the incident but appealed for calm, urging Naga students and the wider community not to panic. Emergency helplines were also provided to reassure students of assistance if required. Similarly, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) extended condolences over Zubeen Garg’s death, recognizing him as a revered figure among Nagas, particularly Christians who cherished his gospel songs. The council, while regretting the offensive remarks, called upon social media users to practice restraint and avoid inflammatory comments. It also stressed on building bridges with Assamese organizations to ensure peace and restore normalcy at Kaziranga University.
What this episode reveals is the fragility of inter-community harmony in times of grief. The Northeast, rich in diversity yet sensitive to identity, cannot afford to let misunderstandings escalate into hostility. Zubeen Garg, whose music celebrated love, peace, and cultural unity, deserves to be remembered not through discord but through collective respect. Students, in particular, must recognize the power and danger of social media. A careless remark, whether in jest or frustration, can hurt sentiments and provoke consequences far beyond its original intent. In an age where digital platforms amplify every word and gesture, sensitivity and responsibility are no longer optional—they are essential.
In the end, Along guarantees safety of Naga students amid tension at Kaziranga University over Zubeen remarks, surrounding Zubeen Garg’s passing and the controversy at Kaziranga University is not simply about one student’s remark—it is about how communities choose to respond in moments of collective pain. The Northeast has always carried with it the richness of many cultures, faiths, and languages, but with that richness also comes a deep sensitivity to identity and belonging. A single misstep, amplified in the age of social media, can ignite tensions that threaten to overshadow the bonds built over decades. The way forward cannot be through anger, retaliation, or scapegoating, but through compassion, dialogue, and restraint. Students—whether from Nagaland, Assam, or elsewhere—must remember that they are first and foremost ambassadors of their people and their culture. Their words, actions, and even online expressions can either bridge divides or deepen mistrust. Equally, the public must resist the temptation to let grief turn into hostility. If we allow the insensitive words of one individual to dictate inter-community relations, we risk undermining the very harmony that artists like Zubeen Garg worked so hard to nurture through their art. Leaders, educators, and community organizations have a responsibility to guide the youth with patience and wisdom, ensuring that incidents like this become lessons rather than triggers for lasting divisions. The swift intervention of state authorities and student bodies has already helped de-escalate the situation; the challenge now lies in sustaining that peace and rebuilding trust.
The truest tribute to Zubeen Garg is not found in outrage or punishment but in unity—by upholding the values of respect, empathy, and mutual care that he championed through his music. His songs transcended borders; his legacy must continue to do the same. For the people of Assam, Nagaland, and the wider Northeast, this is a moment to reaffirm that despite differences and misunderstandings, the bonds of shared heritage, grief, and humanity run deeper than any passing conflict. If the region can emerge from this moment stronger, wiser, and more united, then Zubeen’s voice will not have been silenced—it will live on, not just in melody but in the harmony of its people.