By The Sampadak Express
In response to escalating communal tensions in Dhubri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued stringent shoot-at-sight orders, targeting those attempting to disrupt peace by desecrating temples.
Taking to social media platform X, Sarma stated, “A particular group has become active in Dhubri with the intention of damaging our temples. We have issued SHOOT AT SIGHT orders.”
The situation in Dhubri turned volatile following reports of miscreants placing pieces of meat near a temple, sparking protests on Sunday. The unrest saw attacks on vegetable vendors and e-rickshaw drivers, prompting security forces to resort to tear gas on Monday to disperse the agitated crowd. Authorities imposed temporary restrictions on public movement, which were lifted a day later.
On Friday, CM Sarma visited Dhubri to assess the situation and assured residents of full government support. “The shoot-at-sight order will be formally issued once I reach Guwahati. Anyone found roaming at night or engaging in violence will face immediate arrest,” he declared.
The Chief Minister also announced the deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the district to maintain law and order. “All those who have violated the law will be dealt with strictly,” he emphasized.
In a separate post, Sarma condemned the desecration of temples, saying, “The incident of throwing beef at the Hanuman Mandir should have NEVER happened, and those involved WON’T BE SPARED.” He directed law enforcement to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against any group threatening communal harmony by targeting temples, Naamghars, and other sacred spaces.
Sarma further alleged the involvement of an organization named ‘Nabin Bangla’ that, according to him, has been circulating provocative posters advocating for the inclusion of Dhubri into Bangladesh. He also claimed the emergence of a “new beef mafia” in the region, which had allegedly brought in thousands of cattle from West Bengal ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
Following Eid celebrations on June 7, tensions flared further when a cow’s head was found placed in front of the Hanuman Temple in Dhubri. Despite appeals for peace from both Hindu and Muslim communities, another similar act of desecration occurred, accompanied by incidents of stone-pelting during the night.
Sarma firmly asserted that his government would not allow any group to destabilize the region. “If needed, I will personally guard the Hanuman Temple throughout the night. We cannot allow a section of the community to create such disturbances. Our government will not tolerate this and allow Dhubri to go out of our hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath informed that the situation is currently under control. “We have revoked yesterday’s orders. Shops and markets have reopened,” he stated.
