Bihu committees asked to limit celebration to flag hoisting

GUWAHATI: Even as Assam prepares itself for a “restricted” Bohag Bihu celebration amid the coronavirus-driven lockdown, the Assam Police has asked Bihu committees across the state to limit the celebration to a 30-minute flag hoisting ceremony and strictly adhere to the social distancing norms. Additional DGP (law and order) GP Singh has directed the Bihu committees not to extend the flag hoisting ceremony for more than half an hour and to limit celebrations by just hoisting a flag in the presence of five people. Singh further urged the committees to maintain social distance and strictly comply with all the lockdown norms during the celebration which extends to about five days, in a bid to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus. The ADGP also urged people in general to celebrate Bohag Bihu, which begins from Monday, within the confines of their homes. “Reference Bihu celebrations — people should celebrate only with those with whom they are living on a daily basis in the lockdown house. Don’t call, visit or mingle even with family members with whom you don’t share the lockdown house,” Singh posted on his official Twitter handle. The All Assam Students Union (AASU), too had earlier decided to do away with its annual Mukoli Bihu function at Judges Field, an open-air celebration organised since 1982. The union has also appealed to the people to fight the virus together by adhering to all norms and safety guidelines during Bohag Bihu.