"Let’s honour Zubeen, not politicize his death": Assam MLA Phanidhar Talukdar

Bhabanipur MLA Phanidhar Talukdar has reacted to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) recently issued by Assam Government in connection with the disturbances and subsequent clean-up operations at the Zubeen Garg Samadhi Kshetra in Sonapur.

The MLA remarked that while the SOP was a necessary step to maintain discipline and order in the area, it was unfortunate that certain individuals have chosen to politicize the singer’s death instead of respecting the guidelines.

Talukdar, who shared a close bond with the late artist, recalled his personal memories with Zubeen Garg.

“I had a very close friendship with Zubeen. We spent a lot of time together. When I was the producer at Itihas Theatre, Zubeen sang all the songs for our productions,” he said.

Speaking with visible emotion, the legislator reflected on the irreparable loss to Assam’s cultural world, describing Zubeen not just as an artist but as “a friend whose voice defined an era.”

Talukdar’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions surrounding the management and sanctity of the memorial site, where the Assam government recently issued new operational protocols to prevent disorder and ensure cleanliness.