As the COVID19 crisis is looming over the state, Assamdirector general of police (DGP) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has requested the Bihucommittees to have an assembly of five people only to hoist the flag.

The DGP has also asked the committees to restrict the hoisting of the flag to 30 minutes and ensure social distancing. Due to the current threat posed by the virus, DGP Mahanta has urged people to abstain from mass gatherings.

Earlier, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had suggested the Bihu committees to hoist the celebration flag instead of arranging cultural programme. "Four or five persons will be allowed to attend the flag hoisting progamme", Sarma said.

"Good days will come, once the deadly virus leaves…will observe Bihu and other festivals when the situation back to normal", Sarma said.