Myanmar-based Ulfa hardliners led by Paresh Baruah have issued a diktat to artistes of the state to refrain from singing Hindi songswhile performing during the Rongali Bihucelebrations that kick off from April 14 and stretch for more than a month.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the outfit stated that it will keep a close watch on all Bihu functions in the state and should any artiste sing a Hindi song, its cadres will raise protests at the function itself.
"We are asking the artistes to sing local folk songs instead along with Bihu songs but not Hindi numbers," the outfit stated in the statement.
The anti-talks Ulfa faction's diktat is similar to that of Manipur-based rebel outfit People's Liberation Army, whose ban on playing of Hindi songs and screening of Hindi movies has been in force in that state for over a decade now.
Rongali Bihu celebrations are marked by a large number of makeshift stage performances across the state where along with Bihu performances, the state's diverse cultural richness is showcased. Cultural troupes from neighbouring states also perform at some venues. The Bihu celebrations continue till the end of May when Bohagi Bidai (farewell to Bihu) functions are held.
Well-known artistes in the cultural fraternity refused to comment on the Ulfa diktat saying that they would rather not accord importance to the directive by commenting on it.
A security source said that every festival in the state gets the security forces on a high alert and when the state celebrates its biggest festival, Rongali Bihu, the security arrangement is tighter than ever. "We do not take chances. The anti-talks faction may down but they're not out. Ignoring them completely may cost us dearly," the source said, adding that there will be plainclothes policemen positioned at every function.