Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, June 13, announced a ‘shoot-at-sight’ order for Dhubri town following heightened tensions in the communally sensitive border district, triggered by the alleged discovery of cow meat or a cow head at a Hanuman temple.
The CM visited Dhubri to assess the situation firsthand and review the measures being taken to restore order. During his visit to the area, Sarma directed law enforcement to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach toward those responsible for desecrating temples, Naamghars, and other sacred sites.
The Chief Minister said that a new beef mafia had emerged in Dhubri, which had procured thousands of animals just ahead of Eid. He added that an investigation was underway and assured that the perpetrators would be put behind bars. “A particular group has become active in Dhubri with the intention of damaging our temples. We have issued SHOOT AT SIGHT ORDERS (sic),” Sarma wrote on X.
The CM emphasized that all individuals involved in such acts would be dealt with strictly and would not be spared.
“I visited Dhubri and directed law enforcement officers to follow ZERO tolerance against elements who desecrate our temples, naamghars and sacred spaces. The incident of throwing beef at the town’s Hanuman Mandir should have NEVER happened, and those involved WON’T BE SPARED (sic),” the CM wrote on X.
He added, “What transpired in Dhubri during Bakri Eid and how are we responding to the situation. We are fully committed to ensure enforcement of Law and Order in the district and defeat all communal forces (sic).”
The unrest began on June 8 following the alleged discovery of cow meat near a temple, sparking tensions in the area. Protests on June 9 escalated into violence, leading the police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd. In response, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders across Dhubri town, citing concerns over potential riots and threats to public order.
As part of the measures, shops were closed, gatherings of more than five people were banned, and rallies were prohibited. However, by June 10 afternoon, Dhubri DC Dibakar Nath confirmed that the situation had returned to normal, and the prohibitory orders were subsequently lifted.
