Nagaland: Nagaland Students in Assam University Safe After Tensions Escalate Over Remarks

Kohima, Nagaland — September 21, 2025 A tense situation involving students from Nagaland studying at Kaziranga University in Assam was defused today, following protests over remarks made by one of the students. The Higher and Technical Education Minister of Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along, confirmed that all Nagaland students are now safe and that the university administration, Assam police, and Nagaland officials acted swiftly to calm tensions. The unrest began the previous night when a Naga student made comments perceived as insulting in relation to Zubeen Garg, a beloved Assamese singer. The timing was sensitive—many in Assam were mourning his recent death—and the remarks triggered anger among local students and community members. The student responsible for the comments was reportedly moved to a safe house amidst fears of reprisal. Meanwhile, about 300-400 Naga students enrolled at the university were said to be unharmed. Authorities attributed the escalation to misunderstandings inflamed by social media posts, with rumors spreading that further inflamed emotions. Minister Along expressed regret over the incident, describing the comment as inappropriate given the cultural sentiment around Zubeen Garg. He urged all students and communities – both in Assam and Nagaland – to exercise restraint and not to allow social media exaggeration to worsen the situation. Security arrangements were intensified at the university campus, with protest control and local police coordinating with university staff to ensure student safety. Dormitories were monitored, and entry-exit points were reviewed to prevent any crowding or confrontation. University leadership also reportedly held meetings with student representatives to provide clarity and assurances. In Nagaland, the incident has sparked debate. While many condemned the student’s remarks as insensitive, there was equal concern that the Naga student body should not be made a scapegoat for individual missteps. Community leaders emphasized that students from Nagaland in Assamese institutions should be respected and protected, particularly during periods of public emotion. Authorities in Assam were praised by Nagaland officials for timely action. They coordinated missing-out on major violence and prevented escalation. The Nagaland Education Department also confirmed contact with the families of the student involved and offered support services. The incident highlights the fragile communal sensitivities in parts of India where regional personalities and cultural icons are held in deep affection. It also underscores challenges in preventing misinformation via social media and ensuring institutions act quickly and fairly in times of tension. Looking ahead, steps being considered include orientation programs for out-of-state students, workshops in universities on cultural sensitivity, and mechanisms for grievance redressal to respond early when inter-state student issues flare. As things return to calm, both states emphasize unity and the importance of carrying shared respect across cultural lines. For Nagaland’s students in Assam, peace and safety have been restored—for now.