GUWAHATI, March 3 - The State Government would move a resolution in the State Assembly in favour of conferring the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the country, on legendary musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika and then approach the Central Government accordingly.

This was the statement made by Cultural Affairs Minister Bharat Chandra Narah on the floor of the State Assembly today, on behalf of the Government. He was replying to a Zero Hour discussion initiated by Congress legislator Bhupen Kumar Bora.

While raising the issue that the Forum of the NE MPs has already adopted a resolution in this respect, Bora said that Dr Hazarika is a towering figure in the NE region and he commands immense respect from the region's people.

Even scholars like Prof Maheswar Neog used to pay heed to what Dr Hazarika used to say on issues related to culture. Dr Hazarika has attained such a stature with his creative works that people regard him as an icon. The State Assembly should go for a unanimous resolution urging the Central Government to confer the Bharat Ratna, Bora said.

AGP legislator Girin Barua supported Bora. He said that even the artistes of the stature of melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, touch the feet of Dr Hazarika before beginning their recitals in presence of the legendary musician, who has made immense contribution to the fields of music, cinema, literature and journalism.

Barua regretted the fact that the politicians are preferred more in matters of conferring the high honours of the country. However, the lone winner of the Bharat Ratna from the State, the late Gopinath Bordoloi, could secure this honour only posthumously, Barua said.

Therefore, he said, it is the bounden duty of the people of the State and particularly its legislators, to ensure the Bharat Ratna to Dr Hazarika during his lifetime. He suggested that the Government should move the resolution on its own and take the necessary steps in this regard. #