Bhupen Hazarika’s family turns down Bharat Ratna as protest against Citizenship Bill!

February 11: Though it  was initially learnt that the family of Late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika has turned down Bharat Ratna awarded to him posthumously as a mark of protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 but later in the night different views started to pour in. Dr. Hazarika’s son Tej Hazarika was quoted to have said so by a section of the media but later on different versions of the incident started to come up.

“I am aware of the situation in Assam,” his son Tez Hazarika said, according to the Northeast Now. “Sudhakantha Bhupen Hazarika, who had always stood by the people of Assam at the time of struggle, perhaps would not have wished to accept the recognition. So as his son I am not accepting the recognition bestowed upon him posthumously by the government of India. At the current situation in Assam, I can only do this much for the people of Assam. My mind and conscience is advising me not to accept the recognition. As the maestro was an institution, he was beyond any honour.” This was initially reported by a section of regional media.

However, later in the night, new versions of Mr Tej became to surface.  “Bharat Ratnas and longest bridges while necessary, will not promote the peace and prosperity of the citizens of India. Only just popular laws and foresight on the part of leadership will. Numerous media journalists are now asking me whether or not I will accept the Bharat Ratna for my father. I go on record here to anwer that A), I have not received any invitation so far there is nothing to reject, and how the Center moves on this matter far outweighs in importance the awarding and receiving of such national recognition — a display of short lived cheap thrills,” he added.

Earlier, it was reported that Tej Hazarika was unwilling to accept Bharat Ratna as a mark of support to the ongoing protest against the CAB.

(More details to come)