GUWAHATI, June 20: In the wake of heightened communal sensitivities following Eid celebrations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed all district administrations to strictly implement the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, especially in demographically sensitive regions of the state.

The move comes after multiple incidents, particularly in Dhubri district, where beef was allegedly found near Hindu-majority areas and religious sites such as temples and namghars, sparking tension and outrage among local communities. These incidents have raised serious concerns over communal harmony and law enforcement.

While acknowledging the importance of upholding religious freedoms, Sarma underlined that they must be exercised within legal boundaries. “These incidents occurred close to temples, namghars, and Hindu areas where beef consumption or slaughter is prohibited within a five-kilometre radius under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act,” the Chief Minister stated.

Criticising district administrations for failing to act promptly, Sarma said recent flare-ups could have been prevented if the law had been properly enforced. “We are now directing all districts to implement the Act strictly and without exception,” he asserted.

To manage the situation more effectively and prevent future conflicts, the state government is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for district officials. The SOP will guide authorities on handling cattle slaughter regulations in mixed-population zones to avoid communal flashpoints. “It will ensure that religious sacrifices do not escalate into unrest,” Sarma explained.

Reiterating the state’s zero-tolerance policy on violations near religious sites, Sarma emphasized that the prohibition on cow slaughter within five kilometres of Hindu religious locations will be stringently enforced moving forward.

In addition, the Chief Minister announced a state-wide survey of Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands following reports of encroachments, particularly in tribal areas. “In districts like Lakhimpur, we’ve found illegal occupation of sensitive lands. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to identify and take action against such encroachments,” he added.

Sarma concluded by warning that administrative accountability will be strictly enforced in cases of negligence. The recent incidents, he noted, serve as a reminder of the delicate communal balance in Assam and the need for vigilant, law-abiding governance.