Tension gripped Tezpur University after students staged protests against Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, alleging that he made controversial comments regarding late singer Zubeen Garg, whose recent demise in Singapore has left Assam in mourning.
According to students, Prof. Singh dismissed their demand for a formal condolence programme, reportedly referring to such gestures as “funny things” during an interaction. The remarks led to outrage on campus, with hundreds of students gathering near the university flagpole late Sunday night, demanding respect for the state government’s directive on state-wide mourning.
In response, the registrar (in-charge) issued a notice announcing a Shradhanjali Anushthan at the Community Hall on Monday afternoon. However, students maintained their demand for an apology and greater accountability from Prof. Singh over his alleged remarks.
While the university administration has denied any deliberate disrespect, the incident has sparked wider debate in Assam over how institutions should commemorate cultural figures like Zubeen Garg.
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