Singapore expresses concern over numerous ‘justice for Zubeen’ posts on PM Wong’s social media page

Guwahati: Amid growing online cry for “jutsice for Zubeen Garg,” the Singapore govt has formally conveyed its dissatisfaction to the Govt of India over a surge of comments on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official Facebook page.Thousands of people — largely from Assam — have posted messages using the hashtag ‘#JusticeForZubeenGarg’.Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said Singapore govt has conveyed its official dissatisfaction to India over the volume and nature of posts on its political leadership’s social media pages.“Singapore govt has also requested Assam govt to urge our citizens not to use their political leader’s Facebook page or ‘X’ account to raise our present issues,” Sarma added.Under Wong’s Oct 15 post, fans from Assam and the global Assamese diaspora posted comments using the hashtag ‘#JusticeForZubeenGarg,’ calling for transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation. The hashtag quickly trended worldwide, turning social media into a digital memorial and protest platform.Wong’s Facebook page was temporarily made unavailable in India due to the overwhelming volume of comments.

Reports suggest over 20,000 posts were made demanding justice, prompting Singapore’s diplomatic outreach to Assam.Many described Zubeen as the “soul of Assam,” with one widely shared post reading, “We proudly call this place the land of Zubeen Garg, a planet that sings his name. His sudden demise in Singapore has left us in deep sorrow and anger. We appeal for honesty and cooperation in finding the truth.”On Oct 11, a formal petition signed by 59 residents from Sonapur and Dimoria, Zubeen’s final resting place, was submitted to Singapore’s commissioner of police Hoong Wee Teck, demanding full transparency.

Copies were sent to senior Singapore officials, including home affairs minister K Shanmugam, foreign affairs minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, attorney-general Lucien Wong, and state coroner Adam Nakhoda.

The High Commission of India in Singapore also received a copy.The petition emphasised respect for professionalism of the Singapore Police Force and trust on the leadership “to ensure that all relevant facts are brought to light with transparency.”“We believe that a clear and open communication of the investigative process will bring comfort to millions mourning his loss and reinforce confidence in the fairness of due process,” the residents wrote.Singapore Police Force in its response said, “We noted your interests in this case, but we regret to inform you that we will not be providing any investigation status on confidentiality grounds.”