Guwahati, June 20
Amid heightened communal sensitivities following Eid celebrations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued stern instructions to district administrations across the state to strictly enforce the Assam Cattle Preservation Act.
The directive comes in the wake of multiple incidents involving the recovery of beef near Hindu localities and places of worship, particularly in the Dhubri district, which have sparked tensions in several areas. While underscoring the importance of respecting religious freedom, the Chief Minister stressed that legal boundaries must be upheld, especially in demographically sensitive zones.
“These incidents have occurred close to temples, namghars, and Hindu-majority areas where beef consumption or slaughter is prohibited within a five-kilometre radius, as per the Assam Cattle Preservation Act,†Sarma said. Holding district administrations responsible for recent flare-ups, Sarma criticised the lack of timely intervention despite clear legal provisions. “Had the law been enforced adequately, these situations could have been avoided. We are now directing all districts to implement the Act strictly and without exception,†he added.
To avoid further communal unrest, the state government is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for district officials to manage cattle slaughter regulations in mixed-population areas. “The SOP will serve as a guide to ensure religious sacrifices do not escalate into communal conflict,†Sarma explained, adding that the most stringent provisions of the law would be invoked going forward.
Reiterating the state's firm stance, Sarma said the ban on cow slaughter within a five-kilometre radius of temples and Hindu settlements would be rigorously enforced. He also announced a statewide survey of VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) and PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) lands amid reports of encroachments in tribal belts. “In districts like Lakhimpur, we’ve found illegal occupation of sensitive lands, including tribal areas and grazing reserves. We have directed the respective deputy commissioners to identify and act against such encroachments,†Sarma said.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on cattle slaughter violations near religious areas, warning that administrative accountability would be enforced in cases of negligence. The recent incidents involving beef found near Hindu religious sites have led to public outrage and increased communal tension across parts of Assam, prompting the state to tighten its enforcement measures.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I understand the religious sentiments involved, the government should focus more on creating jobs and improving infrastructure rather than policing food habits. This constant focus on beef is distracting from real development issues. 🚧
The law is clear and must be enforced uniformly. If certain areas are designated as no-slaughter zones near temples, then it's basic respect to follow those rules. But authorities should ensure this doesn't become harassment of any community.
Why is beef always made into such a big issue? In northeast states, many indigenous communities have been consuming beef for generations. The government should respect all food cultures while maintaining law and order.
The SOP being prepared is a good step. Clear guidelines will prevent misuse of the law by overzealous officials. But the CM should also address the illegal encroachments mentioned - that's a bigger issue affecting livelihoods.
As an Assamese, I'm tired of these tensions every year around Eid. Can't we find a middle path? Maybe designated slaughterhouses away from religious sites would solve this issue once and for all. Jai Axom! ðŸ¤
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