Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that 16 individuals have been arrested across the state in connection with alleged illegal cattle slaughter during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. Authorities recovered cattle remains from multiple locations, identifying five unauthorised slaughter sites in the Barak Valley. These sites were located in Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur in Cachar district, as well as Badarpur and Banga in Karimganj district.
Among those arrested, nine were from Cachar district and seven from Sribhumi. Additional reports indicated the discovery of cattle parts in areas including Cotton University in Kamrup (Metro), Dhubri, Hojai, and Bagargool in Sribhumi.
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the delicate balance between religious freedom and the rule of law, stating on social media platform X, “While our Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally upholds the rule of law and public order.” He condemned the disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and the recovery of cattle parts from various parts of Assam.
Sarma reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony but warned that any violations of the law, irrespective of religious background, would be met with strict action. Under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, cattle slaughter is prohibited in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs form the majority, and within five kilometres of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries (satras). While beef consumption itself is not banned, the Act enforces stringent restrictions on slaughter and sale.
Tensions escalated in Hojai on Sunday following reports that pieces of meat were found in Hindu residential areas on Saturday night. This led to a road blockade protest by members of the Hindu community in the Barpukhuri area. A counter-protest by Muslims took place in Bhuyanpatty, resulting in a confrontation with the police, who employed mild force to disperse the crowd, according to a senior police official.
“The situation is now under control, with additional paramilitary forces deployed. We are closely monitoring developments,” the official added.
Protests are ongoing in Barpukhuri, where authorities are attempting to negotiate with demonstrators. Residents in Hojai claim that meat was deliberately thrown into their premises, though police have not yet confirmed these allegations.
In Guwahati, a piece of meat wrapped in polythene was reportedly found near the Cotton University campus. Police have collected the sample for forensic testing. Similarly, suspected meat pieces were discovered near a temple in Nalia, Dhubri district, and the material has been sent for examination. Officials reported that the situation in these areas remains peaceful.
With IANS inputs