In response to escalating communal tensions in Dhubri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday issued a shoot-at-sight order to security forces, following a series of incidents that began with the discovery of a severed cow head near a Hanuman temple on June 8 — a day after Eid al-Adha.
Speaking during a visit to the affected area, Sarma warned that any disruptive activity, including stone-pelting, would be met with immediate armed response. “A communal group is active in Dhubri to disturb peace. I have issued shoot-at-sight orders at night. If someone throws stones and the police suspect them, they will shoot,” he stated firmly.
Calling the situation “unacceptable,” the Chief Minister vowed to personally guard the temple if needed during the upcoming Eid. “If required on the coming Eid, I myself will guard Hanuman Baba’s temple all night long,” he said.
While emphasizing that the broader Hindu and Muslim communities are not to blame, Sarma pointed to “disruptive elements poisoning the atmosphere.” He added, “Things were different in the past, not anymore… mark my words: If any disruptive elements are found tonight, they will be shot on sight.”
Sarma also alleged a deliberate attempt to incite communal disharmony by using cattle. “Some people are trying to weaponise cattle by repeatedly placing cattle meat in certain areas to force Hindu residents to leave,” he claimed.
The tension peaked between June 8 and June 10, after multiple discoveries of alleged cow meat and skin near the Hanuman temple in the Balurchar and Chatianatala areas triggered widespread unrest. Riot-like scenes were reported, with mobs attacking roadside vendors and e-rickshaw drivers in at least two locations. Protests followed on Monday, prompting authorities to take swift action.
In response, Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath invoked Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, imposing prohibitory orders to prevent further violence. These orders were lifted once the situation was brought under control by Tuesday.
Police have ramped up arrests in connection with the violence, with 38 individuals detained overnight on Saturday, in addition to the 22 arrested on Friday, bringing the total number of arrests to 60.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely amid ongoing investigations into the alleged provocations and violent incidents.
