SRIBHUMI |  Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condemned the alleged assault on a Bihu troupe in Assam’s Sribhumi district, describing the incident as an attack on the state’s cultural heritage and asserting that hostility towards its artists would not be tolerated.

The incident reportedly took place on October 24 during a Durga Puja programme organised by Hindustan Club in Sribhumi, where the troupe had been invited to perform. According to preliminary reports, a group of people allegedly objected to Assamese songs being played at the event, triggering a confrontation with the performers.

“Bihu is the lifeline that binds the greater Assamese society. Any assault on our artists and hostility towards our heritage is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Sonowal said in a post on X on October 25. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also condemned the reported attack and directed the state police chief to take immediate action against those responsible.

“The news of an attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi is deeply disturbing and unfortunate. Bihu is the soul of Assam, our pride and our identity. We will never tolerate any insult to our culture and heritage,” Sarma said in his social media post.

Objection to Assamese songs allegedly triggered confrontation

According to the initial account of the incident, the group allegedly objected to the performance of Assamese songs in the Barak Valley before confronting members of the troupe and assaulting them. Reports said the performers sustained serious injuries in the alleged attack. Traditional Bihu musical instruments were also reportedly damaged, while some instruments were allegedly taken away.

A gold chain belonging to one of the young performers was also reported to have been stolen during the incident. These allegations are yet to be independently established, and further details are awaited from the police.

The troupe had been invited by Hindustan Club to perform as part of its Durga Puja programme. The alleged assault has raised concerns about the safety of artists participating in cultural events and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

Calls for investigation and action

The incident has prompted demands for a thorough investigation and legal action against those involved. The chief minister’s direction to the police chief signals the state government’s call for an immediate response, although details of any arrests or formal police findings were not available in the initial report.

The case has also drawn attention to the place of cultural expression in Assam, particularly in the Barak Valley, where linguistic and cultural identities have their own distinct histories and significance.

Bihu, closely associated with Assamese cultural identity, is celebrated through music, dance and community gatherings across the state. The allegations involving a troupe invited to perform at a public festival have therefore assumed significance beyond the immediate incident.

Further details regarding the investigation, the condition of the injured performers and action taken by the authorities are awaited.