Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday welcomed appeals issued by several Eidgah committees across the state urging members of the Muslim community to refrain from cow slaughter during the upcoming Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations.
Sarma said such “voluntary actions” would help strengthen communal harmony in Assam.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Eidgah and Kabristan committees in districts including Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon and Udharbond had appealed to people not to slaughter cows during Bakrid while also citing legal and religious reasons behind the move.
“I welcome this initiative of respecting the sentiments of the majority Sanatan community,” Sarma said.
He added that such voluntary steps would go a long way in maintaining peace and communal harmony in the state and expressed hope that other Eidgah committees would also issue similar appeals.
The Chief Minister also shared media reports relating to appeals issued by Muslim communities in Udharbond in Cachar district and Dhubri ahead of Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations scheduled for May 28.
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According to an official statement issued earlier in Dhubri, District Commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal chaired a preparatory meeting to review arrangements for the festival.
Dhubri had witnessed communal tension following Bakrid celebrations last year, after which shoot-at-sight orders during night hours had been imposed in the district bordering Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Dahal directed all departments concerned to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities and asked the health department to station ambulances at crowded locations while ensuring doctors and medical staff remained on duty throughout the day.
The district veterinary officer was instructed to carry out inspection and certification duties wherever required.
Officials also briefed attendees on provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which prohibits the slaughter, sale and transportation of cattle without valid permits and except under specific conditions.
Dahal reportedly made it clear that since there are no certified slaughterhouses in the district, no cattle slaughter would be permitted in Dhubri.
Senior Superintendent of Police Debashis Borah assured that police would remain vigilant and take strict action against any attempts to disturb communal harmony.
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