Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday urged people to follow the ideals of musical maestro Bhupen Hazarika, who, through his compositions, had "advocated communal amity, brotherhood and empathy".
Hazarika has always worked for "uniting all sections of society" through his creations, the CM said, while offering tributes on the occasion of the bard's seventh death anniversary.
"Bhupen Hazarika's songs spoke of humanity, empathy and brotherhood. He considered the whole world his home, and we must imbibe those humanistic values," Sonowal said.
He also requested people to "defeat the evil forces" trying to disturb the social fabric of the state.
"Hazarika transcended the boundaries of country and region and was able to establish Assamese identity on the global cultural map. It was his dream to build a greater Assamese society based on the humanitarian values," the chief minister said at Bhupen Hazarika Memorial at Jalukbari here.
Sonowal's address came at a time, when the state is witnessing a tense situation, following the killing of five people in Tinsukia district four days ago.
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A group of assailants had gunned down five Bengali-speaking individuals at Kheronbari village, near Dhola-Sadiya bridge.
The CM had appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state and promised stern action against the culprits.