Songs of Bhupen Hazarika, Zubeen Garg become protest anthems in Assam

As thousands of people in Assam take to the streets to voice their opposition to the amended citizenship law, old icon Bhupen Hazarika and newer idol Zubeen Garg have helped the protests find a tune.

'Biswa Bijoyee Naujowan' by Hazarika is sung by people during protests against the contentious Citizenship Act, besides 'Jai Aai Axom' (Glory to Mother Assam), a powerful song of the state that has now become the rallying cry of the movement.

At a tea stall in Chandmari or a paan shop in Ganeshguri in Guwahati, people can be seen listening to Garg's famous songs like 'Maya' or 'Politics Nokoriba Bondhu' on mobile phones.

Garg, 47, who is now one of the most vocal faces of the movement against the contentious citizenship law, says culture is a very integral part of any person's or community's identity.

"This movement is also about our Assamese identity, driven by our ancient culture and traditions, clothes, food, language and songs," Garg told PTI. "Youths and women of Assam are our major strength in this agitation against the CAA. And, together we sing songs during protests, infusing energy into each other."
"We don't want to become a cultural or linguistic minority in our own home state. In the past, Bengali language had been imposed on Assamese, and we fear it might happen again in future," said film-maker Garima Garg. "So, this movement is also driven by an urge to safeguard our cultural legacy. And, I am happy so many youths have joined it."