Song performed at ‘Bihu world record’ condemns by Naga citizens

Guwahati: The All Assam Naga Welfare Society (AANWS) has expressed strong displeasure over the Bihu song performed at the Mega Bihu dance event held at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati to create a Guinness World Record.

AANWS, an organization of Naga people living in Assam, said the organizers should not allow a song, which is derogatory to the Naga community, to be performed at the international event.
On April 13, a total of 11,304 Bihu dancers set the Guinness World Record for ‘Largest Bihu Dance at a Single Venue’.

The event was organized by the Assam Cultural Affairs Department to take the traditional Bihu dance to the global stage.
ANWS said the song, okora Nogake bhinihi buli matilu majoni Oi performed by Bihu spokesperson Ranjit Gogoi, has hurt the sentiments of the Naga people.

“We condemn the song sung by artiste Ranjit Gogoi at the Guinness Book of World Records ceremony. The song has insulted the Naga communities,” said ANWS President Shompha Wangsu and General Secretary Manto Konyak. said in a statement.
Apart from AANWS, other Naga civil societies or organizations, including community-based organizing councils and student organizations, have also reacted strongly to the song.

AASWA president Shompha Wangsu said “renowned artiste Ranjit Gogoi’s derogatory song against Naga people is not acceptable.”
He said that Assam is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural state where every ethnic group is conscious of its own identity and culture.
“Ten indigenous Naga communities with a population of 2.5 lakh have been living in 11 districts of Assam since time immemorial. We are an integral part of the great Assamese society and culture. We are truly proud to be a part of this society, but often times We face discrimination and neglect in various ways. So we, all indigenous Naga communities of Assam, are strongly against such insulting lyrics and maligning our community.”
AASW also demanded an apology from artist Ranjit Gogoi for the song.

“We also demand an unconditional apology from artiste Ranjit Gogoi for the song. Otherwise, we will also be forced to take legal action,” he said.