Bhupen Hazarika's kin returns Bharat Ratna in protest

Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika's family has decided to turn down the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, conferred to him posthumously by the Modi government this year, reports say. The decision was taken as a mark of protest against the controversial Citizenship Bill.

This Republic Day, Hazarika and late social activist Nanji Deshmukh were honoured with the award along with former President Pranab Mukherjee.

Reports claimed that Hazarika's son Tez, based out of the US, has expressed concerns over the Citizenship Bill and so rejected the award, but that the rest of the family is not convinced it is the correct recourse.

Earlier this month, renowned Manipuri film director Aribam Syam Sharma had also announced his decision to return the Padma Shri that was conferred on him in 2006 in protest against the Modi government's Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Most north-eastern states have also opposed the proposed legislation.