Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued shoot-at-sight orders during night hours in Dhubri district, which borders Bangladesh, following a surge in communal tensions. This move comes after an incident where a cow’s severed head was found near a temple, sparking widespread unrest.
During his visit to the violence-affected areas, the CM described the desecration as unacceptable and vowed to take strict legal action against the culprits. In an overnight operation, police arrested 38 people, Sarma confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The June 7 incident, which occurred just after Eid al-Adha, triggered protests after meat remains were discovered near a Hanuman temple in Dhubri town. While community leaders called for peace, fresh stone-pelting broke out the following night, adding to the strain.
To restore order, the government has decided to deploy Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CRPF personnel in the district. Sarma assured residents that anyone involved in violence or incitement would face arrest, emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance stance.
Sarma also warned about rising cattle smuggling in the region, stating that thousands of cows were brought from West Bengal before the festival — suggesting the emergence of a new illegal cattle network. He has directed an immediate probe.
He further condemned posters by ‘Nabin Bangla’, a group reportedly calling for merging Dhubri with Bangladesh, labeling it an intentional attempt to disturb peace.
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