Summary
The death of popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg brought people together across religious divides in Assam, India. His passing led to public mourning and unity, as his music had been a significant unifying force in the region amid longstanding Hindu-Muslim tensions. Garg died by drowning in Singapore on September 19, as he was preparing to perform at a cultural festival.
Key Facts
- Zubeen Garg was a popular singer in Assam, India, known for uniting people across religious divides.
- Garg died by drowning in Singapore on September 19, 2023, where he was set to perform at the Northeast India Festival.
- His death triggered widespread mourning in Assam, a region with significant Hindu-Muslim tensions.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma both expressed their condolences, highlighting Garg’s impact.
- The Assam government declared four days of state mourning and gave Garg a cremation with full state honors.
- Tens of thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects, marching alongside his body and singing his songs.
- Assam has a history of ethnic and religious tensions, stemming partly from migration issues dating back to British colonial times.