India, Oct. 11 -- Indigenous rights activist Jiten Dutta has appealed to the people of Assam to boycott Deepawali celebrations this year until justice is delivered for late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, whose mysterious death continues to spark outrage across the state.

In a video message circulated on social media on Saturday, Dutta urged citizens to mark the festival without fireworks or noise, lighting only earthen lamps as a symbol of protest and unity.

"Until those responsible for Zubeen Garg's death are identified and punished, it is only right that we refrain from celebrating any festival," Dutta said.

He described this year's Deepawali as a "Festival of Justice" and emphasized the need for restrained observance, drawing...