Tensions Rise in Dhubri, Assam Amid Communal Strife

Dhubri, a Muslim-majority area in Assam, is once again in the spotlight due to rising communal tensions. Although Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's firm stance and decisive actions have helped stabilize the situation, he raised a troubling question regarding the forces that allegedly wish to merge Dhubri with Bangladesh. So far, authorities have arrested 38 individuals in connection with the ongoing disputes in the region. In a post on the social media platform 'X', the Chief Minister stated, 'In connection with the cow meat incident in Dhubri, 38 individuals were arrested overnight.' According to him, a severed cow head was discovered in front of the Hanuman temple in Dhubri city on June 7, coinciding with Eid celebrations. The following day, another severed cow head was found at the same location, leading to clashes in the area. This information was shared by the Chief Minister after visiting the affected regions. He noted that on June 9, the district administration imposed a curfew in Dhubri city, which was lifted the next day after law and order improved.

The Chief Minister mentioned that an order for shoot-on-sight was issued during the night, as a group was attempting to incite unrest in the district bordering Bangladesh. He pointed out that a group named 'Nabin Bangla' has put up posters demanding the merger of Dhubri with Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the state government announced the transfer of Dhubri's Senior Superintendent of Police, Navin Singh, replacing him with Leena Dole, the Senior Superintendent of Police from Hailakandi.

On Friday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that shoot-on-sight orders would be enforced in Dhubri, adjacent to the Bangladesh border, due to a 'communal group' attempting to create unrest, which the government will not tolerate. He visited Dhubri to assess the situation. Upon returning to Guwahati, he indicated that the shoot-on-sight order would be activated immediately, and anyone involved in stone-pelting would be arrested. He also announced the deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel to ensure law and order, emphasizing that all criminals in Dhubri would be apprehended. 'Those who take the law into their own hands will face strict action,' he asserted, noting that the law and order situation in Dhubri has been challenging for the past week.

The Chief Minister remarked, 'A communal group has become active in spreading unrest in Dhubri, and upon learning of this, I have come here to enforce the shoot-on-sight order during the night.' He reiterated that all criminals would be arrested and that strict measures would be taken against those who disrupt the law. Sarma mentioned that previously, a section of the community consumed beef during Bakrid, but this time, thousands of cattle were brought in from West Bengal, leading to the emergence of a 'new beef mafia' that purchased thousands of animals just before the festival. He stated, 'I have been made aware of this and have ordered an investigation. I have instructed officials to arrest those involved in this cattle trade.'

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister expressed his intention to personally visit Dhubri on Eid next year and remain there the following day. He stated, 'We cannot allow a section of the community to create such disturbances. Our government will not tolerate this, and we will not let Dhubri slip from our hands.' He added that if necessary, he would guard the Hanuman temple throughout the night.