MT Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday issued shoot-at-sight orders to control rising communal tensions in Dhubri district. The move came after a severed cow head was found in front of a Hanuman temple on June 8, a day after Eid al-Adha, triggering unrest in the town.

Accusing a “communal group” of attempting to disturb peace in the region, Sarma said, “I have issued shoot-at-sight orders at night. If someone throws stones and police have doubts about their intentions, they will shoot.” He added that the government would not tolerate such acts of provocation.

Visiting Dhubri on Saturday, Sarma announced the arrest of 38 more individuals, adding to the 22 held earlier. He declared the situation “unacceptable” and warned that any disruptive elements found in the area would be dealt with strictly. “If required, I will personally guard Hanuman Baba’s temple on Eid,” he said, stressing that innocent Hindus and Muslims should not suffer due to the actions of a few.

The tensions escalated further on Sunday and Monday as more instances of alleged cow meat and skin being found near temples were reported from Balurchar and Chatianatala areas. The incidents led to mob attacks on roadside vendors and e-rickshaw drivers, prompting protests and violence in multiple pockets of the town.

In response, Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent further escalation and maintain public order.

Chief Minister Sarma also alleged that some groups were trying to “weaponise cattle” to instigate communal divisions. By Tuesday, the situation was brought under control and the prohibitory orders were lifted, although security remained heightened.