Guwahati: Five residents of Lakhipur in Assam's Goalpara district were detained on Sunday for allegedly discarding beef near a temple, an act authorities claim was intended to provoke communal tensions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma named the detained individuals as Bodir Ali, Hazarat Ali, Tara Mia, Shajamal Mia, and Jahangir Alom. The incident occurred shortly after Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.
In a post on X, Sarma stated, “A case has been filed, and stringent measures are being implemented to ensure that all such individuals face the complete weight of the law.”
This move follows recent unrest in Dhubri district, where more than 60 people were detained after communal clashes erupted on June 8. The conflict was reportedly sparked by the discovery of animal remains—allegedly a cow’s head—near a temple. A second similar incident occurred the next day at the same location, heightening tensions further.
In response, the government imposed a nighttime shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri on June 13. Prior to this, widespread protests had erupted, with demonstrators blocking roads, shouting slogans, and setting tyres on fire near the temple site.
Authorities invoked Section 144 in the district, banning public gatherings and demonstrations. These restrictions were lifted on June 10 after the situation reportedly came under control.
Adding to the strain, Chief Minister Sarma claimed that a controversial poster depicting Dhubri as part of Bangladesh was discovered on June 7, just ahead of Bakri Eid. Given Dhubri’s proximity to the international border, the region remains under close scrutiny as officials investigate possible larger attempts to incite communal unrest.