16 arrested over 'illegal' cattle slaughter during Eid; tensions flare in parts of Assam

June 9, 2025 by News Desk

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, June 7, confirmed arrest of 16 individuals over allegations of illegally slaughtering cattle during Eid-ul-Adha, amid rising communal tensions in parts of the state.

The arrests were made following reports of cattle parts being discovered in several locations, including the sensitive Barak Valley region and Hojai.

According to Sarma, five unauthorized slaughter sites were identified in Barak Valley—specifically in Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur in Cachar district, and Badarpur and Banga in Karimganj district. Nine arrests were made from Cachar and seven from Sribhumi, he said in a post on X.

In Hojai, tensions escalated after members of the Hindu community reportedly found meat scattered across residential areas on Saturday night. In response, they staged road blockades, which were soon countered by Muslim residents, leading to confrontations. Police intervened with mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowds and restore calm. Additional paramilitary forces have since been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain order.

“Disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and recovery of cattle parts were reported from various parts of Assam,” Sarma said. “The Constitution guarantees religious freedom, but that does not override the rule of law.”

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, prohibits the slaughter of cattle and sale of beef in areas predominantly inhabited by Hindus, Jains, or Sikhs, and within five kilometers of temples or satras (Vaishnavite monasteries). While beef consumption itself is not banned, the law regulates the conditions and locations for slaughter.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to communal harmony, Sarma emphasized that the law would be applied equally. “Strict action will be taken against all violators, irrespective of their faith or background,” he said.

Elsewhere, a packet suspected to contain meat was discovered near Cotton University in Guwahati. Police collected the sample for forensic testing and declined to speculate on its contents until results are confirmed.

A similar incident was reported in Golakganj area of Dhubri district, where unknown individuals allegedly threw meat near a temple in Nalia. Police responded swiftly, collected the evidence, and stated that the situation remains under control.

In Hojai’s Barpukhuri area, protests continued into Sunday. Authorities are engaged in dialogue with demonstrators to ease tensions and lift road blockades. — With agency inputs