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House adopts resolution on Bharat Ratna

By Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 19 � The State Assembly today unanimously adopted a resolution pleading for posthumously conferring the country�s highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on legendary musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika. The resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Nilamani Sen Deka.

The resolution said that in recognition to the services rendered by Dr Hazarika for the advancement of humanity and towards enriching the art and culture of the country the Bharat Ratna should be conferred on him posthumously.

Supporting the resolution, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said that there could not be any difference of opinion on the matter, though it was too late to move the resolution.

The Government of India should have come forward on its own to confer the honour on the legendary musician, who also served the Sangeet Natak Akademi as its chairman, he said.

Sirajuddin Ajmal of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also supported the move. Prasanta Phukan of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while welcoming the resolution argued that if Lata Mangeskar being a singer could be bestowed the honour then there should not be any problem in honouring Dr Hazarika, a lyricist, singer and a music composer as well, with the Bharat Ratna.

Pramila Rani Brahma of the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) while welcoming the resolution said that Dr Hazarika belonged to a community that is regarded as a downtrodden one and it is the duty of the society to honour him considering his talent and contributions.

Keshav Mahanta of the AGP pointed out that a resolution to this effect was adopted by the House sometime back, when Dr Hazarika was alive. But what is regrettable is the fact that the Central Government failed to honour the wish of the State Assembly and now the House has to reiterate its stand on the issue. This is disgraceful for the people of the State, he said.

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