Assam Orders Night Shoot-at-Sight in Dhubri After Communal Clashes Near Temple

Amid escalating communal tensions in Assam’s Dhubri town, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced shoot-at-sight orders during night hours, following a series of provocative incidents near a local Hanuman temple.

Temple Desecration Sparks Unrest Post-Eid

The unrest began on June 7, a day after Eid al-Adha, when a cow’s head was discovered near the Hanuman Mandir in Dhubri. Despite initial appeals for calm from both Hindu and Muslim communities, tensions flared again the next day as another cattle head was found at the same location. The situation further deteriorated after stones were reportedly hurled at night, prompting fears of widespread violence.

In response, authorities deployed heavy security, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). While prohibitory orders under Section 144 were briefly imposed and then lifted, the atmosphere remains highly volatile.

Sarma Blames “Communal Group”, Beef Network

Visiting the town, Chief Minister Sarma blamed a “communal group” for deliberately inciting unrest and vowed zero tolerance for acts of religious desecration.

“This incident should never have happened. We are adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward those who desecrate temples,” Sarma said.

He also alleged the presence of a “beef mafia” that imported thousands of cattle from West Bengal ahead of Eid, calling it the work of a new criminal network. A full-scale probe has been ordered.

Posters and Provocative Propaganda

Sarma raised alarms over posters allegedly put up by an organization named ‘Nabin Bangla’, which advocated for the integration of Dhubri with Bangladesh — a claim that has stoked further concerns over extremist infiltration.

“Extremist elements are trying to fuel communal discord, both on the ground and online,” the CM warned.

Shoot-at-Sight Orders, Personal Oversight Promised

Declaring a hardened security approach, Sarma said:

“I have issued shoot-at-sight orders at night. If anyone is found throwing stones and their intentions are unclear, the police will shoot.”

He added that if required, he would personally supervise security arrangements during future Eid celebrations in the district.

“We will not allow Dhubri to go out of our hands. The government will not tolerate any attempt to disturb communal harmony,” he affirmed.