Ulfa threatens Assamese singer of Ya Ali fame

The United Liberation Front of Axom, or Ulfa, threatened noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg for singing Hindi songs on stage during a Rangali Bihu function at Latasheel in Guwahati. In a statement to media houses in Assam on Thursday, the Paresh Baruah-led faction of the banned outfit condemned the singer for disobeying their earlier diktat preventing singers from singing Hindi songs at Bihu functions.[caption id=“attachment_709250” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Zubeen Garg. Image courtesy Zubeen Garg’s Facebook page[/caption] The statement also said that if something happens to Garg, the organisation should not be held responsible. Few days back, the anti-talk faction of the Ulfa had warned Assam singers not to sing Hindi songs during Bihu functions or face dire consequences. Even organisers of Bihu functions were also asked to refrain from adding any Bollywood items to their schedule. On 10 April, Ulfa assistant publicity secretary, Arunudoy Asom in an e-mail to media houses, said, “We urge the singers to keep away from singing Hindi songs and the dancers to also refrain from dancing to such songs. We have noticed that some singers first sing Hindi songs when the audience make requests for Bihu songs. “We will keep a strict watch on Bihu cultural shows. Ulfa cadres will be compelled to protest at the functions hereafter of those singers, artistes and organisers disrespecting our appeal and Assam’s culture influenced by India’s culture.” Garg sang the song Ya Ali in the movie Gangster that went on to top charts across India, Middle East and South Asia.