Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, August 26, confirmed that the night-time “shoot-at-sight orders” in Dhubri district will remain in force during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. These strict measures, first imposed on June 13 following communal disturbances in the border district, are aimed at maintaining peace and order. Speaking at an event in Kokrajhar, Sarma underlined that safeguarding the minority Hindu community from fundamentalist threats continues to be a top priority for his government.
Although the situation in Dhubri has remained peaceful in recent weeks with no fresh incidents reported, the Chief Minister stated that the orders would stay effective throughout the Durga Puja festivities, scheduled from September 28 to October 2. He cautioned that anyone attempting to create unrest during this period would face “severe consequences.” Sarma stressed that the government would not take chances with public safety during such an important festival.
The Chief Minister had first visited Dhubri on June 13, when he announced the enforcement of night-time shoot-at-sight orders to deter troublemakers. During a subsequent visit ten days later, he disclosed that over 150 anti-social elements had already been arrested under the crackdown, including 11 individuals from outside Assam with pending criminal cases. Sarma’s stance reflects the state government’s continued hardline approach to prevent any recurrence of communal violence in the region.
