Guwahati, June 18: The removal of a popular mural dedicated to Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg beneath the Ganeshguri flyover has triggered protests in Guwahati, with residents, fans and members of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) accusing authorities of erasing a symbol that had become part of the city’s cultural landscape.

The mural, bearing the words “Comrade Never Die”, was painted under the Ganeshguri flyover and had emerged as a popular landmark among Zubeen Garg’s admirers. On Wednesday, the artwork was painted over during a wall-cleaning and beautification drive reportedly undertaken by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), leading to public outrage.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters gathering at the site and demanding an explanation for the removal. KMSS members joined local residents, arguing that the mural represented more than a piece of street art and had evolved into a tribute to one of Assam’s most influential cultural figures.

The controversy has also drawn reactions from artist Marshall Baruah, who expressed disappointment over the removal of the artwork. In a social media post, he questioned why a tribute to a cultural icon was erased and described the move as a blow to public sentiment.

The mural was part of a growing trend of public art celebrating Zubeen Garg across Guwahati. Over the years, several artists and fans have created murals and tributes dedicated to the singer, reflecting his enduring influence on Assamese music, language and identity.

While civic authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement on the controversy, the incident has ignited a wider debate on the preservation of public art and whether beautification drives should accommodate works that carry cultural and emotional significance for local communities.

For many of the protesters, the issue is no longer about a wall painting. It is about preserving a piece of Assam’s collective memory.

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