Assam Police Arrest YouTuber Altaf Hossain for Controversial Bihu Song Inciting Ethnic Hostility

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 2nd Sept. Assam police have arrested YouTuber and singer Altaf Hossain on Sunday for allegedly inciting hostility against the state’s ethnic communities through his controversial version of Bihu songs. Hossain, who hails from Assam’s Dhubri district, has been widely criticized for his lyrics, which resemble the Bangladeshi protest song “Desh Ta Tomar Baaper Naki” by Ethun Babu and Mousumi Chowdhury. The phrase translates to “Does the country belong to your father.”

Despite the backlash, Hossain’s song has garnered thousands of views on social media platforms. His arrest has sparked discussions across the state, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented on the arrest, urging the public to respect the societal norms of the Assamese community. “To integrate well into society, one must respect its core characteristics. If anyone promotes our civilization, traditions, or cultural practices in a way that deviates from our norms, it will not be accepted. For example, if Bihu were to be altered into ‘Miya Bihu,’ it would not be accepted by the Assamese people,” the Chief Minister stated.

The incident has highlighted the tension between preserving traditional cultural practices and the freedom of expression, especially in the context of Assam’s diverse ethnic landscape. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public and authorities will respond to the growing influence of digital media in shaping cultural narratives.