Assam CM Sarma orders strict enforcement of Cattle Preservation Act
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the government would tighten enforcement of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, expressing concern over its violations during Eid-ul-Adha, particularly reports of beef being sold and consumed within five kilometres of Hindu temples and Namghars, which he stated was against the provisions of the Act.
“As per law, slaughter, sale, or consumption of beef is strictly prohibited within a 5-kilometre radius of any temple or Namghar. Despite this, there were multiple violations during this Eid, which could have been avoided if the provisions of the law were enforced and made known to the public,” the CM said, addressing a press conference.
He pointed to reported cases from districts such as Dhubri, Lakhipur, Lakhimpur, Goalpara, and Hojai, where beef was allegedly consumed within restricted zones during Eid. Emphasising the communal sensitivity of these regions, he warned that these violations could disrupt social harmony.
“These incidents didn’t occur randomly. They were concentrated in areas where the law was not followed. Had there been better awareness and enforcement, such unrest could have been prevented,” Dr. Sarma said
“In this regard, we will take strict actions under the Assam Cattle Prevention Act,” he added in a post on X.
The chief minister termed the developments a “very serious matter” and directed the state administration, including all deputy commissioners, to strictly enforce the Assam Cattle Preservation Act across the state.
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, first introduced in 1950, was revised in 2021 by the BJP-led government to tighten restrictions on cattle slaughter.
The amended law bans cow slaughter entirely and limits the slaughter of bulls and buffaloes unless officially certified. It also forbids the slaughter or sale of beef within five kilometres of Hindu religious sites, an aspect widely interpreted as catering to the right-wing majoritarian politics in the state.
Earlier this month, CM alleged that beef was being deliberately used as a “weapon” to provoke Hindu sentiments, portraying the violations not just as legal infractions but as intentional acts aimed at disturbing communal peace.
At least 16 people were arrested across Assam for allegedly engaging in illegal cattle slaughter during Eid, according to state police reports.
Earlier, Sarma issued a shoot-at-sight order to curb communal tension in Dhubri after the town remained on edge since the severed head of a cow was found in front of a Hanuman temple on June 8, a day after Eid al-Adha, an action that has sparked significant controversy.
