Guwahati: Pro-scribed militant group Kamtapur Liberation Organisation leader Jaiprakash Barman alias Jon Koch claimed on April 15 that popular singer Zubeen Garg is an artist and as such has the complete right to speak his mind and offer his opinions.
Speaking to the media, the KLO leader discussed Zubeen Garg’s recent comments in which he expressed opposition to the idea of an independent Kamtapur state.
Koch said, “Zubeen is an artist. Like he says, an artist has no obligations to religion, caste or creed, hence he is free to speak his mind. It is a sensitive and a controversial issue hence I have no right to comment on this”
Meanwhile, the KLO leader told reporters that the group had assistance from the Home Ministry up to this point and it gives them hope for a successful outcome after the negotiations are through. The KLO senior added that the government had placed restrictions on KLO cadres’ ability to move freely during Bihu, but Jeevan Singha, the organization’s president, had not taken advantage of the freedom.
“We reached Guwahati on January 18. Our sole demand as mentioned in the memorandum forwarded to Government of India is for a separate Kamtapur state or UTC through peaceful talks. As per the Government, six districts within Assam, eight from West Bengal and three districts from Bihar would comprises Kamtapur state as mentioned in the memorandum. Out talks with the Home Ministry is underway as it is a sensitive issue. Indian government is extending considerable support to our demand. But due to few hurdles our talks are moving at a slow pace”, said Jon Koch while speaking to the media.