Guwahati, November 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has objected to protests being held outside his official residence over the demand for justice in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg. On Thursday, he asked protesters to challenge the bail proceedings in the Supreme Court instead of demonstrating outside his residence.
“If you have the courage, go and oppose it in the Supreme Court,” Sarma said, urging protesters to pursue the matter through legal channels.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the security of his family, saying that protests outside his residence could create apprehensions about the safety of his wife and children. He pointed out that he spends most of his time away from home and expressed concern over the possibility of an untoward incident.
Sarma further said that unrest should not be created in Assam in the name of Zubeen Garg. According to him, the singer did not like disturbances. Referring to protests outside the residences of other ministers as well, he questioned the practice of holding demonstrations outside the homes of elected representatives.
The Chief Minister also alleged that Akhil Gogoi had spoken about staging protests outside his residence and the Supreme Court if he secured bail from the apex court. Sarma said he would urge the Chief Justice to initiate action on the basis of contempt of court over such remarks.
Several protests demanding justice for Zubeen Garg have already been held at Zubeen Khetra, Chachal and outside ministers’ residences.
While protesters have been using public demonstrations to press their demands, the Chief Minister has urged them to pursue the matter through the legal process. It remains unclear whether the protesters will change their approach or initiate further legal action in the Supreme Court.
