Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that night-time shoot-at-sight orders in Dhubri district will continue during the upcoming Durga Puja festival.
The directive, first imposed on June 13 following communal tensions, was meant to prevent unrest in the sensitive border district.
Sarma stressed that the decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of Sanatan Dharma communities, who are in a minority in Dhubri.
“The shoot-at-sight orders have not been withdrawn and will continue. Anyone attempting to create unrest in Dhubri will face severe consequences,” he said at a programme in Kokrajhar.
The Chief Minister clarified that no fresh violence has been reported in Dhubri. However, as a precautionary step, the state government has decided to maintain strict law-and-order measures throughout the Durga Puja celebrations from September 28 to October 2.
Earlier Communal Tensions In Dhubri
-
On June 13, Sarma had visited Dhubri and announced the shoot-at-sight orders, citing attempts by communal groups to create disturbances.
-
A few days after Bakrid, tensions escalated when a cow’s skull was found near a Hanuman temple, leading to appeals for peace from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
-
However, the next day, another cow’s head was placed at the temple, followed by stone-pelting incidents.
Crackdown On Anti-Social Elements
During follow-up visits, the Chief Minister revealed that:
-
Over 150 people, including 11 from outside Assam with pending cases, had been arrested.
-
The arrests were part of a larger crackdown against anti-social elements accused of attempting to incite communal violence.
Government’s Firm Stand Against Communal Forces
Sarma reiterated the government’s stance:
-
Illegal cattle slaughter and provocative acts during religious festivals would not be tolerated.
-
Assam is fully committed to maintaining peace, order, and communal harmony.
-
Authorities will “defeat all communal forces” attempting to destabilize the state.
