Guwahati/Nagaon: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday confirmed that 16 people have been arrested for the alleged illegal slaughter of cattle during Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations on Saturday.
The arrests come amid growing communal tensions in parts of the state, following the discovery of cattle remains at multiple locations.
According to Sarma, five illegal slaughter sites were identified in Barak Valley, specifically in Gumrah, Silchar, Lakhipur (Cachar district) and Badarpur, Banga (Karimganj district).
Additionally, cattle parts were found near Cotton University (Kamrup Metro), Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi (Bagargool).
“While our Constitution guarantees religious freedom, it also mandates the maintenance of law and order,” Sarma wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We are committed to preserving communal harmony—but not at the expense of lawlessness or cruelty.”
Sarma emphasised that the state government would take strict action against violators, regardless of religion or background.
Of the 16 arrested, nine are from Cachar district and seven from Sribhumi.
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, prohibits cattle slaughter and beef sales in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs are in the majority, as well as within five kilometers of any temple or satra (Vaishnavite monastery).
While beef consumption is not banned in Assam, violations of the law have triggered unrest in certain regions.
Communal Protests and Clashes in Hojai
Tensions peaked in Hojai on Sunday as members of both Hindu and Muslim communities held separate road blockades, following reports that meat pieces were found discarded in public areas the night before.
In Barpukhuri, Hindus protested after what they alleged were cattle meat pieces were found in at least three locations. In response, a counter-protest emerged in Bhuyanpatty, led by local Muslims.
Clashes erupted between protestors and police, prompting a “mild lathi-charge” to disperse the crowd, according to a senior officer.
The situation is now under control, with central paramilitary forces deployed to maintain peace. Discussions are ongoing to end the road blockade in Barpukhuri.
Residents in Hojai town have claimed that meat was deliberately thrown at residential premises, though authorities have not officially commented on these allegations.
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In Guwahati, a piece of meat was discovered near Cotton University, wrapped in a polythene bag.
The police have collected the sample and sent it for forensic testing. “We are waiting for lab results before making any statement,” an officer said.
Meanwhile, in Dhubri district, police recovered meat near a temple in Nalia, Golakganj, allegedly thrown there by miscreants. “The sample has been sent for analysis. The situation remains peaceful,” said a local officer.
