GUWAHATI: Artistes across cultural spheres in Assam have come out in strong protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The mood is reminiscent of the days leading up to and during the Assam Agitation of the 1970s and ‘80s, when the late Bhupen Hazarika was among the most prominent cultural icons from Assam supporting the anti-foreigner movement. It was difficult back then to find a voice critical of the movement. And the issue then, as it is now, was that of Assamese identity “Artistes from Assam will keep protesting against the bill. On Thursday, we have organised Sankalpa Divas in Sonitpur district, coinciding with Silpi Divas, marking the death anniversary of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Assam’s first filmmaker and doyen of Assamese literature,” Bollywood singer Zubeen Garg said on Wednesday.Another Bollywood singer from the state, Angarag ‘Papon’ Mahanta too has now come forward. “We promote Assamese culture across the globe and if we cannot preserve it in our own state, it will be lost. We cannot allow it to happen. There can be no two opinions — Assamese sentiments have been hurt,” he said. Filmmaker Rima Das, whose ‘Village Rockstars’ was India’s official entry to the Oscars 2019, posted: “I am against Citizenship Amendment Bill. #Lovemyland #Lovemypeople. Prayers.”Popular Assamese singer, lyricist and music director Manas Robin said cultural icons are speaking up because they “share the sentiment of a large section of the people”.

Stay updated with all the Latest Guwahati headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.