18:32 — Singer Zubeen Garg Passes Away in Singapore
Legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has died after a medical emergency during a scuba diving activity in Singapore. He was visiting the country to participate in the Northeast India Festival. Despite nearly an hour of medical efforts, doctors at Singapore Civil Hospital could not revive him.
18:29 — Biswanath Shuts Down in Mourning
In Biswanath district, all shops and businesses have closed for 24 hours to mourn Zubeen. Thousands of youths gathered on the streets, chanting slogans like “Zubeen Da Amar Houk” (May Zubeen live forever).
18:24 — Assam Govt Calls Emergency Cabinet Meeting
The Assam government has convened an urgent cabinet meeting to arrange the return of Zubeen’s mortal remains from Singapore. Officials said public arrangements will be made so that everyone can pay their respects. His body is expected to reach Assam by Saturday.
18:22 — Shyamkanu Mahanta Speaks from Singapore
Cultural activist Shyamkanu Mahanta, present in Singapore, said:
“It happened so suddenly we couldn’t believe it. Zubeen had gone on a private island trip with the Assamese community here. He suffered a seizure during adventure activities. Doctors later confirmed this.”
18:19 — Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on X:
“Zubeen Garg’s passing is a terrible tragedy. His voice defined a generation, his talent was unmatched. He overcame personal struggles to reshape Assamese music. He will live in our hearts forever.”
17:40 — ULFA (I) Issues Statement
The banned ULFA (Independent) called Zubeen “not just a name, but an emotion,” adding that his voice captivated listeners across Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, and Western music.
17:31 — Sweety Das Raises Questions
Singer Sweety Das, a close associate, criticized the organizers:
“Zubeen was unfit for adventure sports due to seizures. No medical team or proper permission was in place. Those who took him are responsible.”
17:07 — Post-Mortem Underway in Singapore
Family friend Anuj Kumar Barua confirmed Zubeen’s post-mortem is being conducted at Singapore Civil Hospital. His body will remain there overnight before being transported to Assam.
16:50 — MP Gaurav Gogoi Reacts
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi wrote:
“The untimely loss of Zubeen Garg is an irreparable blow to Assam and Indian music. May his soul rest in peace.”
16:25 — Body Expected Back by Sunday
Government sources in Delhi said India’s Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with Singapore. Plans are being made to bring Zubeen’s mortal remains to Assam on an Indian Air Force aircraft.
16:13 — Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Mourns
Sonowal wrote:
“With Zubeen’s demise, a vibrant era of Assamese music has ended. We are heartbroken.”
16:11 — Producer Luit Kumar Barman Demands Probe
The National Award-winning producer said:
“This tragedy must be investigated. Why was the event in Singapore? Why was Zubeen put at risk?”
16:09 — Did Zubeen Predict His End?
Fans recall a 2017 Facebook post dated September 19, where Zubeen wrote cryptically about being “overloaded” and needing time to recover, ending with “Colonel will return.” The coincidence has left admirers shaken.
16:08 — Singer Papon Reacts
Zubeen’s close friend and fellow singer Papon wrote:
“This is shocking! Lost a friend, lost a brother. A big void. May his soul rest in peace.”
16:02 — Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Tribute
“This is unimaginable, unbelievable. Zubeen’s magical voice enchanted every generation. Assam has lost its heart. You will live on in your creations, Zubeen.”
15:46 — CM Cancels Election Rally
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma cut short his BTC election campaign after being informed of Zubeen’s death by Union Minister Pabitra Margherita.
15:42 — Singapore Authorities to Investigate
Singapore officials have confirmed that a probe will be conducted into the incident. Formalities are underway before the body can be released to India.
👉 The death of Zubeen Garg, often called the soul of Assam, has left the entire Northeast in grief. His return home will mark one of the largest public mourning events in the state’s history.