Assam CM Encourages Eidgah Committees to Promote Cow Protection During Bakrid
Chief Minister's Call for Communal Harmony
File image of CM Sarma. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, May 23: On Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his support for various Eidgah committees in Assam that are encouraging the Muslim community to avoid cow slaughter during the upcoming Eid-ul-Zuha festivities.
He praised the initiative as a way to honor the sentiments of the majority Sanatan community, stating that such voluntary measures would significantly enhance communal harmony in Assam.
Sarma noted that several Eidgah and Kabristhan committees from regions including Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Udharbond have made appeals to abstain from cow slaughter during Bakrid, providing both legal and religious justifications for their stance.
He expressed hope that more Eidgah committees would follow suit with similar appeals.
The Chief Minister also shared reports of Muslim communities in Udharbond, Cachar district, and Dhubri advocating for the avoidance of cow slaughter during the upcoming Bakrid celebrations.
On Thursday, an official statement from Dhubri revealed that a preparatory meeting led by District Commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal was held to discuss the arrangements for the festivities scheduled for May 28.
Last year, Dhubri experienced communal tensions during the celebrations, which resulted in shoot-at-sight orders being issued at night in the district bordering Bangladesh.
Dahal urged all relevant departments to perform their duties diligently to ensure the celebrations proceed smoothly throughout the district.
Additionally, the District Commissioner instructed the health department to have ambulances ready at crowded locations and ensured that medical staff would be available at government healthcare facilities all day.
The district veterinary officer was tasked with conducting necessary inspections and certifications.
During the meeting, the DC also highlighted the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which strictly forbids the slaughter, sale, and transportation of cattle without proper permits and under specific conditions.
Senior Superintendent of Police Debashis Borah, who was also present, assured that the Dhubri Police would remain vigilant and take swift action against any individuals attempting to disrupt communal peace.