16 arrested, many illegal slaughter sites in Assam during Eid were exposed: CM Himant Biswa Sarma | Bharat News
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed serious concern over the report of illegal cattle slaughter during the Eid-ul-Zuha ceremony across the state on Sunday, warning that strict action would be taken against the violations regardless of his confidence or background.Taking the X, the Chief Minister said, “While our constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally maintains the rule of law and public system. It harasses the events of Eid-ul-Zuha, illegal cattle cattle slaughter and the recovery of cattle parts was informed from many places in Assam.”According to the details shared by the Chief Minister, five separate matters related to the recovery of cattle parts were reported from areas including the University of Kamup (metro), Dhyubari, Hozai and Sribhumi (Bagragul) including cotton universities. Additionally, five illegal slaughter sites were opened, three in Kachar district (Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur) and two in Karimganj (Badarpur and Banga).As part of Kracdown, 16 people have been arrested, nine from nine Kochhar and seven from Shibhumi.“We are committed to preserving communal harmony, but not at the cost of unrighteousness or cruelty. Please clarify that strict action will be taken against all violations – even if despite faith or background,” Sarma said.State beef restrictions and enforcement measuresAmidst the ongoing enforcement of Assam’s Cattle Protection Act as Assam as Assam, it was passed in 2021, banning cattle slaughter in the state. Last year, the state government took a step forward by announcing a blanket ban on consumption of beef at public places including restaurants, hotels and public works.Speaking on the policy shift in 2024, Sarma said, “Earlier, our decision was to stop eating beef near the temples, but now we have extended it to the entire state. So you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant.”He also claimed that the 2021 law was successful in curbing cattle slaughter and insisted that the purpose of extended sanctions is to promote peace and to prevent communal tension.
