Staff Reporter
Guwahati: A tense situation prevailed in several places in the state on the occasion of Eid-uz-Zuha on Saturday, after animal parts and meat were discovered. As many as 16 individuals have been arrested across the state in connection with incidents of alleged illegal cattle slaughter.
The arrests include nine people from Cachar and seven from Sribhumi. Additional reports cited the discovery of cattle parts in areas including a dustbin near Guwahati’s Cotton University in Kamrup (Metro), Dhubri, Hojai, and Bagargool in Sribhumi.
Moreover, an incident caused an uproar after a person was arrested from Pakhi Market in the Fancy Bazar area of Guwahati in connection with cattle slaughter.
An incident near Cotton University in Guwahati sparked public outrage and raised concerns over communal sensitivity after cattle remains were found dumped near a public dustbin on Cotton University Road on the evening of Eid-uz-Zuha.
According to students of Cotton University, the remains—including a head, bones, and internal organs said to be that of a bovine—were first discovered by residents of a hostel while returning from dinner late at night. The sight of the discarded remains in an open public space triggered shock and condemnation among students and local residents alike.
A student speaking on condition of anonymity said, “As per the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, slaughter and sale of beef are strictly regulated. Dumping of such remains in a sensitive zone like this is highly provocative. If this act was carried out by any municipal authority such as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), we demand a formal apology.”
An atmosphere laden with simmering communal tension gripped Hojai’s Bar Pukhuri and Bhuyanpatti areas on Sunday after locals alleged that unidentified miscreants deliberately threw meat near temples and a residential home. According to reports, pieces of meat were allegedly found at three different spots—two of which were reportedly temple premises and one inside a local resident’s compound. The presence of meat, suspected to be beef, near sacred spaces in a region where it is banned has sparked sharp protests, with locals accusing miscreants of attempting to incite communal unrest.
Police from Hojai station quickly arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control. Tensions remain high, with a heavy security presence in the area. IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh also paid a visit to the area on Sunday to take stock of the situation.
Similar scenes were reported from Dhubri and Bagargool in Sribhumi, where undercurrents of communal tension gripped the residents. A total of 16 persons were arrested in connection with incidents of discovery of suspected cattle parts and illegal slaughter sites.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on his official X handle today, “ALERT: ILLEGAL CATTLE SLAUGHTER DURING EID-UL-ZUHA... While our Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally upholds the rule of law and public order. This Eid-ul-Zuha, disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and recovery of cattle parts were reported from multiple locations across Assam:
* 5 cases of cattle parts found – including near Cotton University (Kamrup M), Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi (Bagargool).
* 5 illegal slaughter sites uncovered – 3 in Cachar (Gumrah, Silchar, Lakhipur) and 2 in Karimganj (Badarpur, Banga).
* 16 arrests made – 9 from Cachar and 7 from Sribhumi.
We are committed to preserving communal harmony, but not at the cost of lawlessness or cruelty. Please be clear that Strict action will be taken against all violators — irrespective of faith or background.”
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