Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) is preparing to take to the streets with candlelight processions across district headquarters throughout Assam on October 29. This renewed mobilisation aims to press forward the persistent demand for justice in the tragic death case of singer Zubeen Garg, sparked by widespread public discontent over the recent bail granted to certain individuals accused in the matter.
Call for Peace and Cancellation of Bail
The prominent student organisation has strongly urged all participants taking part in the upcoming demonstrations to maintain absolute peace and uphold core democratic principles throughout the events. Alongside the planned processions, the outfit has reiterated its firm demand for the legal cancellation of the bail orders that were granted to Amritprabha Mahanta and Sandipan Garg.
Public Resolve Amid Court Proceedings
AASU president Utpal Sarma noted that while street demonstrations had naturally tapered off after day-to-day court hearings commenced in the fast-track court, the public desire and unwavering demand for justice have remained entirely undiminished. He highlighted that the very circumstances surrounding the death of Zubeen Garg, which the chief minister himself characterized as murder, have driven people across the entire state to demand stringent punishment for every responsible party ever since the singer passed away.
According to Sarma, mounting public anger has been further fueled by perceived delays in delivering justice and the consecutive release of accused persons on bail. He maintained that legal accountability can only be fully realized if the charges brought forward by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are rigorously proved in a court of law. He emphasized that his organisation will continue applying steady pressure on the government to guarantee an effective prosecution and prevent any possible lapses in the pursuit of justice.
Legal Avenues and Protection for the Family
Pointing directly to statements previously made by Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia and the head of the SIT regarding the viability of approaching the highest judicial authority, Sarma called for immediate legal action to challenge and successfully overturn the existing bail orders. He stressed that the authorities bear the responsibility of ensuring the bails given to both accused are formally set aside.
Furthermore, Sarma strongly appealed to the general public to stop targeting Zubeen Garg’s widow, Garima Saikia Garg, through personal attacks, harsh criticisms, and baseless speculation across various social media platforms. Describing her enduring grief over a profound personal tragedy, he stated that she deserves peace and privacy rather than being subjected to public scrutiny over her perceived stance on the legal proceedings.
Expressing deep concern for her overall physical and psychological well-being, Sarma pointed out that the devastating toll of losing her husband becomes starkly obvious when contrasting her current condition with media records from a year ago when the singer was still alive. He also underscored that she was recently forced into a position where she had to publicly clarify her stance. Condemning derogatory online commentary as completely inhumane, he stated that such digital discussions are actively pushing narratives designed to blemish the character of a grieving woman. The upcoming candlelight events on October 29 are anticipated to decisively revitalize public accountability efforts.
