Guwahati, Sept 22: The Assam government has finalised Kamarkuchi, near Sonapur, as the site for the samadhi of late cultural icon Zubeen Garg. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on Sunday following a Cabinet meeting.
Sarma said the choice of location was made after extensive consultations with Zubeen’s family, who stressed the need for a site close to Guwahati. “His father is unwell and cannot travel far, and monthly and annual rituals need to be performed nearby. We must respect the family’s decision because Zubeen belonged first to his family, and then to his fans,” he told reporters.
A 10-bigha plot adjacent to National Highway 37 has been identified for the samadhi. The land already has a nursery and a small cremation facility, with additional space offered by nearby private owners.
The Chief Minister clarified that while Jorhat residents and cultural groups had appealed for the samadhi to be located there, the plan was not feasible. “His body is already swelling, and the long journey from Guwahati to Jorhat is not possible. But his ashes will later be taken to Jorhat to build a samadhikhetra,” he assured.
Sarma also took a strong stand against VIP privilege at Sarusajai Stadium, where Zubeen’s body is kept for public homage. “Zubeen belongs to his fans, not to VIP culture. From tomorrow, even ministers and officials will stand in line like everyone else,” he said, directing officials to ensure organised queues for mourners.
Zubeen Garg’s body will remain at Sarusajai Stadium for public viewing until the morning of September 23. The state funeral will begin at 8 am on Tuesday, with the body taken to Kamarkuchi for the final rites. National Highway 37 will remain closed to traffic until 2 pm to facilitate the procession.
“This will be a state funeral, and our focus now is on giving Zubeen Garg a farewell worthy of his legacy,” Sarma said.
During the briefing, the Chief Minister also announced other Cabinet decisions. These included a 20 percent Durga Puja bonus for Assam Tea Corporation workers, Rs 260 crore allocation for the 10th Assam Police Battalion at Kosutoli, and enhanced benefits for 65 science and maths facilitators under the Science and Technology department.
Additionally, Sarma revealed that the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) prelims will now include question papers in Assamese, with 80 percent of questions in the language.
The Cabinet has rescheduled the Orunodoi and Mahila Udyomita programmes, originally planned for September 23 and 24, in view of the mourning period.
Sarma said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had called him twice to express support during the state’s bereavement. Concluding the press meet, he remarked, “Zubeen was a son of Assam. Our only aim now is to ensure that his last journey is dignified, people-centric and free from VIP privilege. That will be our true tribute to him.”
