Amid rising communal tensions in Dhubri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a shoot-at-sight order following violent unrest triggered by the discovery of a severed cow head in front of a Hanuman temple on June 8—just a day after Eid al-Adha. The situation escalated further when alleged cow meat and skin were repeatedly found near religious sites, prompting stone-pelting, mob violence, and retaliation against local vendors and e-rickshaw drivers. Over 60 arrests have been made so far as police crack down on what Sarma described as “disruptive elements poisoning the atmosphere.”
Visiting the affected area, CM Sarma directly warned potential rioters, stating, “Mark my words: If any disruptive elements are found tonight, they will be shot on sight.” He also vowed to personally stand guard at the Hanuman temple on the upcoming Eid if required, asserting that innocent people—regardless of faith—must be protected. The Chief Minister accused unidentified groups of deliberately “weaponising cattle” to instigate fear and drive out Hindu residents, and promised uncompromising action against those disturbing the peace.
To prevent further violence, Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath enforced Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, issuing prohibitory orders across sensitive zones. These were lifted once calm was restored by Tuesday. However, the communal flashpoint has raised serious concerns over religious harmony and law enforcement in the region, as political rhetoric intensifies and communities reel from days of unrest and tension.
