This story is from May 19, 2015

Ulfa-I for ban on ‘drunken’ singers at Bihu shows

Ulfa-I for ban on ‘drunken’ singers at Bihu shows
Guwahati: In its new role of culture policing, the Paresh Baruah-led Ulfa (Independent) faction has expressed its displeasure at audiences attending Rongali Bihu celebrations in a drunken state. Even artistes, who come to perform at shows high on drinks, have been warned. The militant group, in an e-mail reaction has objected to such ‘nuisances’ as they are an insult to Assam’s rich tradition of Bihu.
“The Ulfa (I) is keeping a close watch on all those who are distorting the true spirit of Assamese traditional Bihu in the name of staging cultural programmes,” the e-mail issued by the group’s publicity secretary, Arunodoi Asom, read. He criticized regional organizations for keeping quiet on such anti-culture trends.
He, however, welcomed the formation of several umbrella bodies of Bihu organizers for controlling ‘unruly’ behaviour at shows. “Ulfa (I) backs the decision of banning any performer and audience who are high on alcohol or drugs. Such celebrations have ruined the tradition and spirit of Bihu,” the statement said.
On Sunday, at least 23 Bihu show committees joined hands to come under one forum called the Greater Guwahati Bihu Coordination Committee to check ‘unruly’ incidents. The new forum’s working president, Pranab Goswami, said, “We have decided to ban all singers who come to perform at public shows high on alcohol.”
The forum has also decided to urge the district administration to declare ‘dry days’ for the first four days of the Assamese new year.
Earlier, the hardliner faction had dictated that artistes have to wear traditional clothes at Bihu shows to preserve the state’s indigenous culture. Last year the rebel group had banned Hindi songs at Bihu celebrations, which was opposed by Zubeen Garg.
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