Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday clarified that the ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ orders imposed at night in Dhubri district will continue till Durga Puja. He said that the people of Sanatan Dharma are a minority in Dhubri and their safety is the top priority of the government. The Chief Minister said that at present there is no incident of unrest or violence in the district, but this order will continue to deal with any untoward situation during the festival. Durga Puja will be celebrated from 28 September to 2 October this year.
Warning of strict action against those who spread unrest
Chief Minister Sarma said during a program in Kokrajhar that “Whoever tries to spread unrest in Dhubri will be taken to task and will have to face serious consequences.” It is worth noting that this order has been in force in Dhubri, which is a district bordering Bangladesh, since June 13. Sarma said that the government will not tolerate any kind of communal conspiracy. He also said that the administration is vigilant and every activity is being closely monitored.
Background: How tension escalated
The Chief Minister had visited Dhubri on June 13 and implemented a ‘shoot at sight’ order at night after incidents of communal tension there. He then visited again 10 days later and informed that more than 150 anti-social elements have been arrested so far, of which 11 were from outside the state and already had criminal cases pending against them. The incidents started on the second day of Bakrid, when a cow skull was found in front of the Hanuman temple located at the district headquarters. After this, both the communities appealed for peace, but the next day again cow heads were thrown in front of the temple and incidents of stone pelting were reported.
Government committed to maintaining law and order
Chief Minister Sarma also said that on June 8, during Bakrid, cattle were illegally slaughtered at many places and their meat was thrown at different places, creating an atmosphere of tension. He said the state government is fully committed to maintaining law and order and will not allow any kind of communal forces to flourish. He reiterated that “the government’s goal is to ensure peace, harmony and security, and whatever steps are necessary in this direction will be taken.”
