Janasanyog (Assam) [India], September 21 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on early Sunday, received the mortal remains of eminent singer and cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, at the Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 4 in New Delhi.

According to an official release, the Chief Minister arrived in the national capital on Saturday evening to receive the singer's mortal remains. The Chief Minister placed a floral wreath on the coffin carrying the embalmed body of the singer at around 12.55 am. CM Sarma also laid a gamocha on the coffin. Union Minister of External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, senior officials of the Government of Assam and the Government of India and admirers also paid floral tribute to the deceased.

Before the coffin was lifted, the Chief Minister sang in unison with other dignitaries and admirers the popular song 'Mayabini', which the singer requested everyone to sing when he was no more. The mortal remains were carried from Singapore by Air India Flight AI 2116 and then to a special chartered flight for onward journey to Guwahati.

The heartthrob and voice of millions, Zubeen, drowned on Friday while swimming at Lazarus Island, Singapore. He was 52. The singer had gone to participate in the North East India Festival.

The mortal remains will be kept at the Sarusajai Sports Complex on Sunday to enable people to pay their last respects.

Chief Minister Sarma disclosed that the mortal remains would be taken straight to the singer's residence at Kharghuli from the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Dr. Sarma appealed to legions of fans and admirers not to gather at the singer's residence so that the bereaved family can spend some time with the mortal remains of the singer. Zubeen is survived by his wife and father.

The release stated that the Government of Assam has declared three days of state mourning from 20 to 22 September following the tragic death of the iconic singer and music composer. During this period, all official entertainment, ceremonial programs and public celebrations will be kept in abeyance. Essential service activities under 'Sewa Saptah' will continue, while ceremonial or benefit-distribution events stand postponed.

A pall of gloom has descended in Assam and beyond its borders following the tragic demise of the much-loved singer and composer. Life came to a standstill in the capital city and other parts of Assam with shopkeepers downing their shutters and people paying tribute to the departed soul. (ANI)