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Arrests Made in Assam Over Cattle Slaughter Incidents

Guwahati: On Sunday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the arrest of 16 individuals linked to alleged illegal cattle slaughter during the Eid-ul-Zuha festivities.

The Chief Minister revealed that cattle remains were found at various sites across Assam, with five unauthorized slaughter locations identified in the Barak Valley, specifically in Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur in Cachar district, as well as Badarpur and Banga in Karimganj district.

Among those arrested, nine were from Cachar and seven from Sribhumi. Reports also indicated the discovery of cattle parts in areas such as Cotton University in Kamrup (Metro), Dhubri, Hojai, and Bagargool in Sribhumi.

CM Sarma expressed on social media platform X, "While our Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally upholds the rule of law and public order."

He noted, "Disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and recovery of cattle parts were reported from multiple locations across Assam."

The Chief Minister reiterated the state's commitment to maintaining communal harmony but warned that any legal violations, irrespective of religious affiliation, would face strict consequences.

According to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021, cattle slaughter is banned in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs are the majority, as well as within five kilometers of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries (satras).

Although beef consumption is not illegal, the Act enforces strict regulations on slaughter and sale.

Tensions escalated in Hojai on Sunday after reports emerged of meat pieces found in Hindu residential areas the previous night.

In response, members of the Hindu community organized a road blockade in the Barpukhuri area.

A counter-protest by Muslims took place in Bhuyanpatty, resulting in a confrontation with law enforcement, which used mild force to disperse the crowd, according to a senior police official.

"The situation is now under control, with additional paramilitary forces deployed. We are closely monitoring developments," the official stated.

Protests continue in Barpukhuri, where negotiations with demonstrators are ongoing. Residents in Hojai claim that meat was intentionally thrown onto their properties, although police have not verified these allegations.

In Guwahati, a piece of meat was reportedly found wrapped in plastic near the Cotton University campus.

Authorities have collected the sample for forensic analysis. A similar incident occurred in Nalia, Dhubri district, where suspected meat pieces were discovered near a temple.

Officials confirmed that the material was also sent for examination and assured that the situation in the area remains calm.