Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma raises alarm over beef consumption near temples during Eid, calling it a grave violation of the Cattle Preservation Act
Law, Faith, and Festivities: The Spark That Ignited a Storm
Assam CM Slams Beef Consumption – On June 20, 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly expressed grave concern over reports of beef consumption and sale near Hindu temples and Namghars during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. Citing violations of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, Sarma warned of strict action against those found flouting the law, which prohibits the slaughter, sale, or consumption of beef within a five-kilometre radius of any Hindu religious site.
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The Chief Minister’s remarks came after reports surfaced from districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur, and Hojai areas known for their religious diversity and sensitivity. Sarma emphasized that these incidents were not isolated but appeared to be concentrated in zones where the law was either poorly enforced or ignored altogether.
“This is not just a violation of law, it’s a deliberate provocation that threatens the social fabric of our state,” Sarma said during a press conference in Guwahati. He directed district administrations to enforce the Act stringently and warned that future violations would be met with the “most stringent provisions” of the law.
Political Undertones and Public Outrage
The timing and tone of Sarma’s statement have sparked intense debate. While some view it as a necessary step to uphold cultural sensitivities, others argue it risks inflaming communal tensions. Critics, including opposition leaders, have accused the ruling BJP of politicizing religious sentiments ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the controversy was being amplified by certain political actors to polarize voters. He also questioned the selective enforcement of the law, pointing out that similar violations in the past had not received the same level of attention.
Meanwhile, social media has become a battleground of narratives. Hashtags like #RespectAllFaiths and #BeefRowAssam have trended across platforms, with users divided between calls for religious tolerance and demands for strict legal action. The Assam Police have reportedly flagged over 5,000 social media accounts, many originating from outside India for allegedly spreading misinformation and stoking communal unrest.
The Road Ahead: Enforcement, Awareness, and Harmony
In response to the escalating tensions, the Assam government is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for district officials to manage cattle slaughter regulations in mixed-population areas. The SOP aims to ensure that religious practices do not become flashpoints for conflict, especially in demographically sensitive zones.
Sarma also announced a statewide survey of Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands to address illegal encroachments, particularly in tribal belts. This move, while seemingly unrelated, is part of a broader strategy to assert administrative control and prevent future flare-ups.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state’s priority is to ensure that all communities can celebrate their festivals peacefully, without infringing on the sentiments of others. “We are not against any religious practice,” he said. “But when those practices violate the law and threaten social peace, the state must act.” As Assam walks a tightrope between law enforcement and communal harmony, the coming weeks will be crucial. The government’s ability to balance cultural sensitivities with constitutional rights will determine whether this controversy becomes a turning point or a tinderbox.
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