Guwahati, June 13: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced a “shoot-at-sight” order during night hours in Dhubri town, effective immediately, amid escalating communal tensions in the region.
The order, which empowers security forces to open fire in case of any unlawful activity, was issued following a high-level review meeting held by Sarma upon his arrival in Dhubri. The directive is aimed at containing any further flare-ups, especially incidents such as stone-pelting and alleged attempts to desecrate religious sites.
“I have ordered shoot-at-sight during nighttime in Dhubri if any kind of untoward situation arises. The order will be strictly enforced,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
Sarma alleged that a “particular group” has become active in Dhubri with intentions to harm Hindu temples, and warned that the state would not tolerate such provocations. “We will not tolerate any attempt to desecrate our temples,” he said, adding that security personnel had been instructed to take immediate action if provoked.
Claiming that a Bangladesh-linked group called ‘Joy Bangla’ is operating in Dhubri, Sarma said, “I will spend the entire night during next year’s Bakhri Eid in Dhubri.”
The Chief Minister further alleged that thousands of cows had been brought into Dhubri from West Bengal during this year’s Eid, sparking tensions. Additional deployments of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Police have been made in the district to maintain law and order.
Earlier this week, Sarma alleged that beef was being “weaponized” in Assam as a means to intimidate and drive out Hindus from mixed localities. He claimed beef leftovers were deliberately thrown near temples and Hindu homes in the days following Eid celebrations.
“Earlier, Muslim families were careful not to cause discomfort in Hindu areas. Now, beef leftovers are deliberately thrown in the open, compelling Hindus to leave,” Sarma said.
Backing the Chief
Backing the Chief Minister’s stance, Assam cabinet minister Ashok Singhal wrote on X, “‘Shoot-at-sight’ order in Assam. HCM @himantabiswa gives Assam Police a free hand after repeated provocations.”
Singhal also alleged that posters depicting Dhubri as part of Bangladesh had surfaced, stating, “The message is loud and clear – Assam will not tolerate anti-India or anti-Hindu activities.”
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