Guwahati, August 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the extension of shoot-at-sight orders at night in Dhubri district during the upcoming Durga Puja, citing the need to prevent potential communal unrest. The orders, initially imposed on June 13 following disturbances in the region, have already led to the arrest of over 150 individuals, including 11 from outside the state with pending cases.
“The people of Sanatan Dharma are a minority in Dhubri, and protecting them from extremist threats remains a government priority,” Sarma said. He emphasised that while there is currently no unrest, the orders will continue to deter any attempts to disturb peace during the festival, which is scheduled from September 28 to October 2.
The CM highlighted previous incidents, including the placement of cow skulls in front of the Hanuman Temple after Bakrid and stone-throwing incidents, as reasons for heightened vigilance. Sarma reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, preventing communal provocations, and ensuring the safety of all communities in the district, which borders Bangladesh.
He warned, “Anyone attempting to create unrest in Dhubri will face severe consequences,” underlining that the administration is ready to use all available resources to normalise the situation.
