Assam Chief Minister Announces Arrests for Illegal Cattle Slaughter During Bakri Eid
Arrests Made for Cattle Slaughter on Bakri Eid
On Sunday, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, reported that 16 individuals were detained for allegedly engaging in illegal cattle slaughter during the Muslim festival of Bakri Eid, which took place the previous day.
Bakri Eid, also referred to as Eid-al-Adha, is a festival that celebrates the essence of sacrifice, involving the slaughter of livestock.
While the consumption of beef is permitted in Assam, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, enacted in August 2021, prohibits the slaughter of cattle and the sale of beef products in regions predominantly inhabited by communities that do not consume beef, as well as within a five-kilometer radius of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries.
This legislation also imposes restrictions on the transportation of cattle.
According to Sarma, among the 16 arrests, nine were made in Cachar district and seven in Sribhumi. The Chief Minister also mentioned that cattle parts were discovered near Cotton University in Guwahati, as well as in Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi districts.
He indicated that five locations for illegal slaughter were identified, with three situated in Cachar district (Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur) and two in Karimganj district (Badarpur and Banga).
Sarma emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, it also mandates adherence to the rule of law and public order. He stated that the government is dedicated to maintaining communal harmony but will not tolerate lawlessness or cruelty.
“It is important to understand that strict measures will be enforced against all offenders, regardless of their faith or background,” he added.
🚨 ALERT: ILLEGAL CATTLE SLAUGHTER DURING EID-UL-ZUHA
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 8, 2025
While our Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally upholds the rule of law and public order. This Eid-ul-Zuha disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and recovery of cattle parts were…