The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Assam government regarding visits to the cremation ground of legendary singer Zubeen Garg at Hatimura, Kamarkuchi, Sonapur has created debate and criticism. While the administration says the move is to maintain sanctity and order, some political leaders say that it is an attempt to control the public and suppress the voice of fans demanding justice.
According to the SOP issued by District Magistrate of Kamrup Metropolitan, Sumit Sattawan, the cremation ground will be open for visitors only from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Beyond these hours, no visitor will be allowed.
However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma justified the timing claiming that some visitors were offering alcohol and tobacco to Zubeen Garg at the site. He said that such actions could tarnish the legendary singer’s image, saying, “If these acts continue, people will remember Zubeen as someone who consumed alcohol, not as the iconic singer he was.” He also warned against politicizing the issue and said that both ruling and opposition parties should refrain from using Zubeen’s name for political gains. 
Despite the government’s reasoning, many political leaders and citizens have strongly opposed the SOP.
Assam Congress state president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi personally visited Dighalipukhuri to express his concern and said , “We are demanding justice for Zubeen Garg, but the government seems to be trying to stop people from demanding it. Now, with this SOP in place, even visiting the cremation ground has become restricted. Is the government trying to silence the voice of Zubeen’s fans?”
Public sentiment is divided. While some understand the administration’s call for order, many are unhappy with the restricted timings. Locals and fans say that limiting access until 10 PM is unreasonable.
Students and cultural organizations have also expressed concern. Utpal Sarma, president of AASU, said, “The SOP is unnecessary and overly restrictive. Zubeen Garg is a cultural icon and his fans come from all walks of life. It is the government’s duty to organize and manage the site, not to scare people away. There should be security, volunteers and proper arrangements but banning visits after 10 PM is like overreacting due to fear.” He suggested measures like breathalyzer tests and regulated entry to ensure discipline without limiting public access.
Chief Minister Sarma also responded to criticism on social media, mentioning a post by author Rita Chowdhury. He said he disapproved of her words, which he claimed encouraged youth to protest against government measures. “Politics should not be played over Zubeen Garg,” he said.
From a broader perspective, this issue raises multiple questions about governance and public sentiment. Why is a SOP needed for visiting a cultural icon’s cremation ground? Is the government overreacting due to fear of fan gatherings? And more importantly, will these measures affect the larger demand for justice regarding Zubeen Garg’s unresolved case? Citizens are left wondering if the government is prioritizing administrative control over public sentiment and cultural respect.
The SOP on Zubeen Garg’s cremation ground has become more than a matter of timing; it has emerged as a focal point for public debate, political criticism and questions about governance in Assam. The government’s approach has been perceived as restrictive while fans and political leaders continue to demand justice and unrestricted access to the site. Only time will tell whether the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led administration will respond to public sentiment or maintain a hardline stance, leaving many to wonder: Is the government protecting Zubeen’s legacy or is it merely trying to control his admirers?
