Himanta Biswa Sarma Hails Eidgah Committees’ Appeal for Communal Harmony
Eidgah committees in Assam appeal against cow slaughter during Bakrid.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday praised several Eidgah committees across districts including Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Udharbond for their public appeal urging members of the Muslim community not to slaughter cows during Bakrid. The Chief Minister highlighted the development in a post on social media platform X, describing it as a positive step toward maintaining communal harmony in the state.
The appeal, issued by local Eidgah and Kabarasthan committees such as the Hojai Town Eidgah Committee, stated that cow sacrifice is not feasible within their jurisdiction due to the mixed religious population and the presence of numerous temples in the area. The committees urged people to opt for other legally permissible animals for sacrifice during the festival and also requested that images or videos of sacrificial activities not be shared on social media.
Chief Minister Sarma said the voluntary decision by these community bodies reflected respect for the sentiments of the majority community and would contribute to strengthening peace and harmony in Assam. He reiterated that such initiatives, taken independently by local organisations, help in reducing tensions and promoting mutual understanding among different religious groups.
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The appeal comes in the context of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which regulates the transport, trade, and slaughter of cattle in the state. The law restricts beef consumption and trade in areas with significant populations of non-beef-eating communities, and also imposes limitations within a specified distance from temples and other religious institutions.
According to the legislation, cattle transport requires valid permits, and authorities may approve movement only for agricultural or animal husbandry purposes under specific conditions. The Assam government had further strengthened these restrictions in December 2024 by banning the serving and consumption of beef in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and community gatherings.
Officials have stated that the legal framework aims to balance religious sensitivities with regulatory oversight, while ensuring compliance with state law. The Chief Minister’s endorsement of the Eidgah committees’ appeal is being viewed as part of the government’s broader emphasis on community-led efforts to maintain order and social harmony during religious observances.
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