Assam's Dhubri Sees Over 150 Arrests Amid Communal Unrest
Communal Tensions in Dhubri
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that more than 150 individuals have been detained due to the communal unrest that erupted in Dhubri, Assam, on June 8.
The disturbances began following the discovery of animal remains near a Hindu temple.
Sarma emphasized the government's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy, stating that the apprehension of these 150 individuals is part of their strategy to combat anti-social elements, while also maintaining vigilance against communal threats.
The BJP leader mentioned that his administration is considering establishing a permanent Indian Army base to enhance security in this sensitive region.
On June 14, Sarma reported that 38 additional arrests were made in connection with the violence, following 22 earlier detentions. He had previously issued shoot-at-sight orders for nighttime incidents in the area.
During his second visit to Dhubri within ten days, Sarma was informed about the ongoing situation, as reported by a news outlet.
Protests erupted in Dhubri on the morning of June 8, with numerous residents blocking a road near the temple, chanting slogans and setting tires ablaze.
Protesters insisted that the remains of the animal should not be disturbed until those responsible were identified and apprehended.
During his previous visit, Sarma had stated that the remains found were part of a cow's head.
He claimed that after Bakri Eid on June 8, some individuals placed a severed cow head in front of a Hanuman temple. Following this, representatives from both communities convened a peace committee meeting, which initially seemed to resolve the conflict.
However, Sarma noted that the next day, another severed animal head was discovered at the temple, igniting further violence.
Additionally, he mentioned that a day prior to Bakri Eid, a poster depicting Dhubri as part of Bangladesh was found in the town, suggesting that a group was attempting to incite tensions in the area.