Tezpur University VC flees after students protest against administrations' ‘insensitivity’ over Zubeen Garg tribute

Tezpur University was gripped by tension on Sunday night as hundreds of students staged a protest against what they described as the administration’s “insensitive” handling of Assam’s mourning period for late music icon Zubeen Garg.

While schools, colleges, businesses, and government institutions across the state suspended activities in honor of Garg, the university reportedly continued with normal academic schedules and even held student elections on September 21. This, students allege, was in blatant disregard of the state government’s notification declaring a mourning period till September 22.

By late evening, scores of students gathered near the university flagpole, demanding cancellation of classes and a formal tribute to the singer. Protesters alleged that the campus flag was not lowered to half-mast, a symbolic gesture observed elsewhere across Assam. Videos from the campus show demonstrators chanting slogans until nearly 11:30 PM, pressing for accountability.

An official notification dated September 22, signed by the Registrar (In-Charge), indeed stated that a Shradhanjali Anushthan would be held at 3:30 PM on Monday at the Community Hall — contradicting earlier claims.

Amid the uproar, students accused the Vice Chancellor of evading responsibility and demanded a public apology, a formal acknowledgment of the delay in paying tribute, and clarity on why regular classes and student elections continued during the mourning period.

The protest culminated in the Vice Chancellor leaving the campus in a vehicle under tight security as anger among students intensified.