Assam: Naga People Condemns ‘Racist’ Bihu Song Performed at Bihu World Record event

Assam Bihu World Record: Assam’s Nagas have criticised the “racist” song played at the Bihu performance, which set a world record on April 13. Around 11,300 female dancers and male drummers had gathered for the “largest Bihu performance at a single venue” to set two Guinness World Records.

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Following the All Assam Naga Welfare Society, the All Assam Tangsa Students’ Union condemned the usage of the “racist song” that referred to Nagas as okora, which means “dull or stupid.”

“Okora Nogake Bhinihi matilu Majuni Oi.” The All Assam Naga Welfare Society (AANWS), an Assamese Naga organisation, fiercely condemns the singer for a song sung during the Bihu World Record event.

The AANWS said that the song okora Nogake bhinihi buli matilu majoni oi, sung by Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi, had hurt Naga feelings. “We condemn the song performed by artist Ranjit Gogoi in the event to create the Guinness Book of World Records,” said AANWS president Shompha Wangsu and general secretary Manto Konyak. The song has brought shame to the Naga communities.”

Aside from AANWS, other Naga civil societies or organisations, such as community-based structured councils and student associations, have strongly condemned the song. Assam is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural state in which each ethnic group is aware of its own identity and culture.

AATSU stated in response to the song, “the sentiments of Naga people living in Assam since time immemorial are hurt by a Bihu song performed by Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi at the event.”

According to AANWS, the song’s lyrics, “Nogar sange sage bogai nu moi asilu..Nogai nu alu kochu khai…okora Nogake bhinihi buli matilu majoni oi Naginike bulilu bai,” are harmful and demeaning to the Naga community.

Meanwhile, Assam cultural affairs department officials, who organized the event, explained that it is a traditional Bihu song. “It has no negative impact on the Naga community.”