In the wake of heightened communal tensions in Assam's Dhubri district, authorities have arrested 38 people in connection with an incident involving the alleged desecration of a Hindu temple. The arrests follow the discovery of what is believed to be a cow's head near a Hanuman temple, an event that has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a কঠোর response from the state government.
The incident occurred on June 7, a day after Eid al-Adha, when a cow's severed head was found in front of a Hanuman temple in Dhubri. While leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities initially appealed for peace, tensions escalated the following day when another cattle head was discovered at the same location. Stone-pelting incidents further fueled the unrest.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firm stance on the matter, issuing shoot-at-sight orders at night to prevent any further untoward incidents. "I have issued shoot-at-sight orders at night. If someone throws stones and the police have doubts about their intentions, they will shoot," Sarma declared. He vowed to personally oversee security in Dhubri during future Eid celebrations if necessary, stating, "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."
Sarma has characterized the act as a deliberate attempt to incite violence and disrupt communal harmony. He has also raised concerns about the emergence of a "beef mafia" allegedly involved in importing cattle from West Bengal into Dhubri ahead of Eid. The Chief Minister has ordered a full-scale investigation into this alleged network.
In response to the escalating tensions, the state government has transferred Dhubri Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navin Singh. Hailakandi SSP Leena Doley has been appointed as his replacement. Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed to maintain order in the communally sensitive areas. While prohibitory orders were initially imposed and later withdrawn, the situation remains volatile.
The Chief Minister revealed that posters promoting secession have appeared in parts of the district, allegedly linked to a group called 'Nabin Bangla'. These posters reportedly call for Dhubri to become part of Bangladesh. Sarma has directed the immediate arrest of all known criminals in the district, asserting that Dhubri has long been targeted by fundamentalist elements from Bangladesh.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from various quarters, with many calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible. Sarma has assured the people of Dhubri that his government is committed to ensuring their safety and security. "I went to Dhubri today to assess the situation, and will go again if necessary. I assured the people of Dhubri that no one needs to live in fear. Assam government is with you," he stated.
Authorities are working to maintain peace and prevent any further escalation of tensions. Peace committees consisting of members from both Hindu and Muslim communities have been formed in sensitive areas.
