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For peace in Assam rebels should shun violence: Bhupen Hazarika
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Well-known singer and composer Bhupen Hazarika Saturday said there can be no immediate solution to the festering insurgency in Assam even as he stressed that the rebels should "shun violence".

Addressing a press conference at the India Habitat Centre here, Hazarika, who belongs to Assam, said that both the government and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) rebels should show a strong will and sit down for the proposed talks.

While the government needs a clear approach on the issue, the insurgents need to stop violence for the peace process to succeed, said the Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner.

"There cannot be an immediate solution. The government of India should be clear in its stand and the insurgents should also shun violence and start talks," said Hazarika, whose name had also come up once as a possible mediator for talks between the two sides.

"I was the first person to start talking about mediation between ULFA and the government. In fact, ULFA leaders have told me quite a few times (on being a mediator). But I have always insisted on them leaving the path of violence. In the past, I have pointed out mistakes made by both sides."

Hazarika, who lost the last Lok Sabha election as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Guwahati constituency, said he was completely devoted to art and would stay away from anything connected to politics for the rest of his life.

"I have left everything that has political smell. I am completely devoted to art and will remain involved with it. About politics, I would say some things happen some times. But, I want to leave that behind."

However, he said he would keep raising his voice on issues concerning the lives of the people. 

Hazarika, whose songs of brotherhood and compassion are very popular, said the rich tradition of folk culture of the northeastern states and the deep interest of people in the region in music could make the region an ideal musical destination in the country.

The region has strong roots in folk music and the world is also acknowledging the interest of people of the region in music, he said.

"People of the northeast are known for their interest in music. We have a rich tradition of folk music and culture. It's good that international bands like Michael Learns to Rock are performing in the region and they are getting good response," Hazarika told IANS. The international band had played in the Meghalaya capital Shillong earlier this month.

It has to be seen what happens to the folk cultures of different groups and communities, as people are being exposed to music of all kinds, said the singer whose music for Hindi films "Rudaali" and "Ek Pal" made him a popular figure in the north.

Hazarika, who would be presenting a solo performance in the national capital Sunday evening, said he has plans to compose and sing new songs reflecting the present state of the Assamese society.

"My songs have always been connected to the society. I have plans to do new songs on the present state of the Assamese society. It may be classical in style, it may be modern in style. Whatever it will be, it will be closely connected to the society," he said.