Assam CM Confirms Arrests Over Illegal Cattle Slaughter During Eid
Arrests Made for Illegal Cattle Slaughter
On Sunday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported that 16 individuals were apprehended for allegedly engaging in illegal cattle slaughter during Eid celebrations the previous day. He mentioned that various cattle parts were seized across Assam, with five unauthorized slaughter sites identified in two districts of the Barak Valley: Gumrah and Silchar in Cachar, along with Badarpur and Banga in Karimganj.
A senior Hindu community leader clarified that those arrested were not involved in the roadblocks that occurred in Hojai, where some individuals claimed to have received pieces of meat suspected to be beef. This led to a demonstration by Muslims, which escalated when police intervened.
Sarma emphasized on social media that while the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, it also mandates adherence to law and order. He noted that disturbing reports of illegal cattle slaughter and the recovery of cattle parts emerged from various locations in Assam during Eid-ul-Zuha. So far, nine arrests have been made in Cachar and seven in Sribhumi.
The Chief Minister further stated that five instances of cattle parts were discovered, including locations near Cotton University in Kamrup M, Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi. He reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining communal harmony while ensuring that lawlessness and cruelty are not tolerated. Sarma assured that strict measures would be enforced against all offenders, regardless of their background.
Although there is no complete ban on beef consumption in Assam, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 prohibits the slaughter, sale, or consumption of cows, calves, and oxen in areas predominantly inhabited by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, as well as within a five-kilometer radius of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries.
On the same day, large groups from both Hindu and Muslim communities protested separately in Hojai, leading to roadblocks and confrontations with law enforcement. Hindus blocked roads in the Barpukhuri area after suspected cattle meat was found, prompting a counter-protest from Muslims at Bhuyanpatty.
Clashes occurred between a section of the crowd at Bhuyanpatty and police, who used mild force to disperse the demonstrators. Authorities reported that the situation is now stable, with additional forces deployed from central paramilitary agencies to monitor developments. Ongoing discussions with protesters aim to resolve the roadblock in Barpukhuri.
Residents in Hojai reported that pieces of meat were thrown onto their properties overnight, although the administration has not addressed these claims. A police officer in Guwahati confirmed that a piece of meat was discovered near Cotton University, wrapped in plastic, and has been sent for testing pending further investigation.
In Golakganj, Dhubri district, some meat pieces were also found near a temple, with police stating that the situation remains calm and under control.