Assam CM Blames Admin Lapses, Orders Action in Beef Cases

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a strong directive to district administrations across the state following recent incidents of beef recovery from sensitive locations, particularly in the aftermath of Eid celebrations. The Chief Minister emphasised that while religious freedom must be respected, the rule of law under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act must be upheld without compromise, especially in demographically sensitive areas.

“These incidents have been reported from areas that are close to Hindu localities and places of worship. According to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, slaughter or consumption of beef is strictly prohibited within a five-kilometre radius of temples, namghars, and Hindu-majority settlements,” CM Sarma stated.

Administrative Lapses Under Scrutiny

Blaming the recent flare-ups on administrative lapses, the Chief Minister said that the district administration failed to act in time despite clear legal provisions.

“If appropriate measures had been taken in accordance with the law, these incidents would not have occurred. We are now instructing all district officials to enforce this law strictly and uniformly,” he said.

New SOP and Stronger Legal Enforcement in Pipeline

In a move to prevent further communal flare-ups, the Assam government will issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to all district administrations outlining how to handle cattle slaughter regulations in mixed-population areas.

“We are activating the strongest provisions of the law to prevent such incidents in future. The SOP will ensure that sacrifices during religious festivals do not lead to communal disturbances,” CM Sarma said.

He also added that a ban on cow slaughter within a 5-km radius of temples or Hindu habitations will be stringently enforced going forward.

Land Encroachment Survey Ordered in Tribal Belts

Highlighting reports of encroachments in tribal belts, the Chief Minister announced a comprehensive survey of VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) and PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) lands.

“In places like Lakhimpur and other districts, we’ve observed that sensitive lands, including tribal blocks and grazing reserves, have been illegally occupied. We have directed district commissioners to identify and take action,” he added.

The state government is now moving towards zero tolerance in matters involving cattle slaughter near religious zones. Sarma made it clear that protection of religious sentiments and legal enforcement would go hand-in-hand, and the administration would be held accountable for any negligence.

Notably, Several incidents of beef recovery from areas close to Hindu temples and localities have triggered tensions and public outrage in parts of Assam after Eid. 

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