Shoot-At-Sight Orders In Dhubri to Continue During Durga Puja: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (26 August) stated that the night-time ''shoot-at-sight orders'' in Dhubri, which have been in place since 13 June after communal clashes, will remain in force during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, NDTV reported.

Sarma emphasized that followers of Sanatan Dharma are a minority in Dhubri, and safeguarding them from fundamentalist elements is a priority for his government.

''The shoot-at-sight orders have not been withdrawn and will continue,'' Sarma said at the sidelines of a programme in Kokrajhar.

The Chief Minister clarified that while Dhubri is currently calm with no reports of violence, the shoot-at-sight orders will remain effective during Durga Puja.

Durga Puja is scheduled to be celebrated between 28 September and 2 October this year.

''Anyone attempting to create unrest in Dhubri will face severe consequences,'' he added.

Sarma had earlier visited Dhubri on 13 June and announced that shoot-at-sight orders would be in force at night in the district, bordering Bangladesh, as a communal group is trying to create disturbances, which the government will not tolerate.

On a subsequent visit ten days later, the Chief Minister said that more than 150 miscreants had been arrested since 13 June, including 11 individuals from outside Assam who already faced pending cases.

Following Bakrid, a cow’s skull was found in front of the Hanuman Temple in Dhubri town, prompting both Hindu and Muslim community leaders to jointly appeal for peace and harmony.

The following day, another cow’s head was placed near the same temple, and incidents of stone pelting were also reported.

On 8 June, Sarma alleged that several cases of illegal cattle slaughter had taken place during Bakrid and parts of the meat were thrown at multiple locations across Assam.

Sarma asserted that the state government was fully committed to ensure enforcement of law and order in the state and defeat all communal forces.

Also Read: Assam To Get IIM, CM Sarma Led Cabinet Expresses Gratitude To PM Modi