The mysterious death of Assam's cultural icon Zubeen Garg cast a long shadow over the state in 2025, eclipsing major political and administrative developments and triggering an unprecedented public outcry that reverberated through the corridors of power. The year was also marked by political sparring ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, which included allegations involving national security, campaigns against infiltration, and the passage of a bill banning polygamy. The birth centenary celebration of another iconic son of Assam, Bhupen Hazarika, was also launched this year. Garg, who had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, died while swimming in the sea on September 19. The unexpected news stunned Assam, while the circumstances of the singer's death sparked widespread suspicion. Lakhs of people lined the streets as Garg's mortal remains were flown back from Singapore. For three days, his body was kept in a stadium for the people to pay their homage befor