The Assam Kaziranga University has expressed “deep regret” over the incident of September 20, 2025, involving a student from Nagaland enrolled at the University.
According to a statement issued by the Registrar, “On the day of the incident, the student had returned from Jorhat city and, upon being unable to find transportation back to the hostel, expressed his frustration before his peers. In that state of frustration, he made offensive remarks which were recorded and circulated on social media.”
The University said the remarks, particularly in reference to late singer Zubin Garg, “led to widespread resentment both within and outside the University community.”
The situation escalated when “a group of individuals, including outsiders, entered the University premises and attempted to create unrest at Boys Hostel.” However, authorities acted swiftly. “The situation was brought under immediate control with the timely intervention of the Superintendent of Police, Additional SP, ADC, Circle Officer, and OIC, Pulibor, Jorhat. The University extends its sincere thanks to the district administration and law enforcement authorities for their swift action,” the statement said.
The student has since issued a public apology, “expressing deep remorse for his statements.”
However, the University confirmed that he has been suspended from “all academic and hostel privileges with immediate effect until further notice, pending further investigation and necessary disciplinary proceedings.”
Reassuring the community, the statement noted, “We would like to assure all stakeholders that the situation is fully under control, and all students, faculty, and staff are safe within the University campus.”
Reiterating its stance, the University said, “The Assam Kaziranga University reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any activity or remark that hurts the sentiments of communities or individuals.
We strongly urge all students to refrain from making inappropriate remarks on social media or engaging in actions that may disrupt the peace and dignity of our academic environment.”
Many students from Nagaland studying at the University have reportedly expressed their wish to return home for a few weeks. The Government of Nagaland is reportedly helping them make the necessary transport arrangements.
“Actually, the situation there is okay,” Minister Imna Along assured, adding that the government is in the process of assisting the students.
Sources informed that “necessary security and logistical support for the safe travel of students from Jorhat to Dimapur/Mokokchung has been initiated.”
Naga Council Dimapur mourns Zubeen Garg, appeals for restraint on social media
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has expressed profound grief over the tragic demise of renowned singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 18, following a scuba diving accident. Garg had travelled to Singapore to attend the North-East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform.
NCD said Zubeen was deeply respected by the Nagas, especially among Christians, for his self-composed gospel songs that carried uplifting and edifying messages. “North-East India as a whole, and Assam in particular, has lost one of its honoured sons of the soil.
The void left by his passing is felt by people from all walks of life,” it stated. Garg will be remembered indelibly for his immense contribution to the world of music and for spreading the message of peace and harmony, the Council added.
At the same time, NCD expressed regret over the “unpalatable remarks” made by a Naga student, Leseri S Sangtam of Kaziranga University, against the late singer, which have gone viral on social media and hurt the sentiments of citizens, particularly in Assam. The Council welcomed the proactive measures taken by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), its federating units, and the Nagaland Police in response to the incident.
Appealing for restraint, NCD urged Naga social media users to refrain from posting adverse or provocative content and to respect the sentiments of mourners. It further informed that it is reaching out to civil organisations in both Assam and Nagaland to restore normalcy and ensure that the academic environment at Kaziranga University remains undisturbed.