Dhubri District Bans Cattle Slaughter for Idd-Uz-Zuha Celebrations
Cattle Slaughter Prohibition Announced
Officials during a meeting at the conference hall of the District Commissioner’s office in Dhubri, on Thursday. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, May 21: The administration of Dhubri district has declared a ban on cattle slaughter during the upcoming Idd-Uz-Zuha festivities, citing the lack of certified slaughterhouses as per the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021.
This decision was made during a preparatory meeting held at the District Commissioner's office in Dhubri, in anticipation of the Idd-Uz-Zuha celebrations set for May 28.
District Commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal, who led the meeting, instructed all relevant departments to ensure that the celebrations proceed smoothly and peacefully throughout the district.
Dahal elaborated on the legal stipulations of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, emphasizing that the slaughter, sale, and transportation of cattle without appropriate permits are strictly forbidden.
He also pointed out that selling beef is illegal in areas where Hindu, Jain, or Sikh communities are predominant, as well as within a five-kilometer radius of any temple or satra.
The District Commissioner mentioned that cattle, including cows, bulls, bullocks, calves, and buffaloes, may only be slaughtered if they are over 14 years old and permanently incapacitated due to injury or deformity.
However, he clarified that such slaughter is only allowed at certified slaughterhouses.
“Given that there are no certified slaughterhouses in Dhubri district, no cattle slaughter will be allowed here,” the statement indicated.
He also encouraged representatives from mosques and Idgahs present at the meeting to inform local communities about the Act's provisions to prevent any incidents during the festival.
The District Commissioner instructed the Health Department to have ambulances stationed at busy Idgah locations and ensure that medical staff are available at government healthcare facilities throughout the day.
The District Veterinary Officer was tasked with conducting necessary inspections and certifications.
Senior Superintendent of Police Debashis Borah assured that the Dhubri Police would maintain a heightened state of alert and respond swiftly to any attempts to disrupt communal harmony or create law and order issues.
The meeting included officials from various government departments, members of the Dhubri Bar Association, and representatives from mosque committees and Idgah management bodies across the district.