Guwahati, June 8, 2025 — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the arrest of 16 individuals in connection with illegal cattle slaughter during Eid-ul-Zuha, following the discovery of multiple unauthorized slaughter sites across the state .
🔍 Key Developments
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Arrests and Locations
Sixteen suspects were taken into custody under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021. Nine individuals were arrested in Cachar district and seven in Sribhumi (likely Karimganj) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com). -
Illegal Slaughter Sites
Police uncovered five illicit slaughter locations: three in Cachar’s Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur, and two in Karimganj’s Badarpur and Banga (hindustantimes.com). -
Recovery of Cattle Parts
Cattle remnants were retrieved from various sites, including near Cotton University in Guwahati, Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi (hindustantimes.com).
🏛️ Legal Context & Government Response
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New Legislation
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, prohibits slaughter and sale of beef within a 5 km radius of temples or satras, and in Hindu-Jain-Sikh majority areas (hindustantimes.com). -
Religious Freedom vs Rule of Law
CM Sarma emphasized constitutional protection of religious practices, but stressed that exceptions do not extend to illegal public slaughter. He reiterated, “strict action will be taken against all violators—irrespective of faith or background” (scroll.in, newindianexpress.com).
✊ Communal Tensions Surface
Reports indicated protests and minor clashes in Hojai, where both Hindu and Muslim groups blocked roads in response to recovered meat pieces. Police resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse protesters. Additional central paramilitary forces have since been deployed, and law-and-order is reportedly under control (newindianexpress.com).
🕊️ Maintaining Harmony
Chief Minister Sarma affirmed the state’s commitment to preserving communal peace “but not at the cost of lawlessness or cruelty” (scroll.in).
Disclaimer: This article is based on initial reports and statements from law enforcement. Developments may follow as investigations continue, so readers are encouraged to monitor official updates.
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