Singer Altap Hussain Arrested in Assam

Altap Hussain, a Bengali-Muslim singer from Assam, was arrested for allegedly inciting ethnic hostility through his protest song, which draws parallels to a Bangladeshi protest anthem. The lyrics of Hussain's song challenge the targeting of the 'Miya' community, a term often used disparagingly for Bengali-origin Muslims, amid rising tensions following a gang rape case involving members of this community. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the song, stating it distorts traditional Bihu music and promotes enmity, while promising to prevent 'Miya' Muslims from taking over Assam. The arrest highlights ongoing communal tensions in the state, particularly after the alleged gang rape of a minor, which has sparked widespread protests. Hussain's song has garnered significant attention on social media, with accusations of it attempting to incite a divide between communities. This incident has raised concerns about the implications for artistic expression in a politically charged environment.