Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that the night-time “shoot-at-sight” orders in Dhubri district will remain in force during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The directive, implemented on June 13 following communal disturbances, aims to prevent any attempt to disrupt peace in the sensitive border district.
“The orders have not been revoked and will continue through the festival period,” Sarma said on the sidelines of a programme in Kokrajhar, stressing that protecting the minority Hindu community in Dhubri from fundamentalist elements remains a top priority.
While Sarma clarified that the situation in Dhubri is currently peaceful, he warned of strict action against anyone attempting to create unrest.
“Those who try to disturb harmony will face severe consequences,” he asserted. Durga Puja will be celebrated from September 28 to October 2 this year.
The chief minister had earlier visited Dhubri on June 13 and announced the enforcement of shoot-at-sight orders after reports of a communal group attempting to foment trouble.
A subsequent visit saw Sarma reveal that over 150 individuals, including 11 with prior cases from outside the state, had been arrested since the order came into effect.
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The tensions began after a cow’s skull was discovered in front of a Hanuman temple a day after Bakrid, prompting appeals for peace from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
However, a day later, a cow’s head was placed at the same temple, followed by incidents of stone pelting.
Sarma also alleged on June 8 that several cattle were slaughtered illegally during Bakrid, with parts of the meat thrown at multiple locations across the state.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that communal forces do not succeed in disturbing peace.
