Communal Tensions in Dhubri: Assam CM Warns of ‘Bangladesh Conspiracy’, Orders Shoot-at-Sight to Protect Public Order
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 13th June: In a disturbing incident that triggered widespread communal unrest, pieces of beef were allegedly placed near the premises of a Hanuman temple in Dhubri city, Assam. The act, perceived as a direct provocation against the Hindu community, sparked intense protests and violent confrontations, forcing the administration to impose curfew-like restrictions to restore public order.
The alleged perpetrator, Ramzan Ali Sheikh, a resident of Baluchar area in Dhubri, was swiftly arrested by local police following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). According to the police, the accused deliberately placed beef near the temple premises, leading to strong reactions from the local Hindu populace who saw the act as a desecration of their religious space.
District Magistrate Dibakar Nath responded by invoking Section 163 of the Criminal Procedure Code, granting the administration sweeping powers to prevent escalation. Tear gas shells were fired as the situation grew tense, and all shops and markets in the city were shut down by official order to prevent any further congregation of protestors.
Amid the turmoil, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma rushed to Dhubri to take stock of the law and order situation. His visit included a high-level meeting with the Director General of Police (DGP), the Additional Chief Secretary, and senior administrative officials to assess the gravity of the communal discord and develop strategies for immediate resolution.
Speaking to the media, CM Sarma issued a stern warning against any elements attempting to disrupt Assam’s communal harmony. He alleged that beef is now being systematically used as a symbolic weapon to incite hatred against Hindus in sensitive areas. Referring to earlier incidents in the state, he cited a total of 16 arrests made on June 7 in similar cases where communal motives were suspected.
In a bold and controversial move, Sarma issued “shoot-at-sight” orders for any individual caught indulging in stone-pelting or rioting, underscoring the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward communal violence. He emphasized that such acts are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader, sinister design.
The Chief Minister claimed that this particular event in Dhubri is part of a larger cross-border conspiracy allegedly involving radical elements from Bangladesh. He presented evidence in the form of posters and intercepted digital communications where certain groups advocated for the annexation of border districts like Dhubri into a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.”
“These are not mere provocations; they are a threat to India’s sovereignty and internal stability. Assam will never allow any external force to disturb its peace,” Sarma declared. He also promised that he would personally camp in the district’s sensitive zones during future festivals and tense periods to monitor the situation directly.
In light of the emerging threat perception, additional Rapid Action Force (RAF) contingents and police companies have been deployed across Dhubri and adjoining border regions. CM Sarma assured the citizens that every possible step is being taken to ensure safety and communal harmony.
While local stakeholders have welcomed the government’s strong response, human rights observers have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of shoot-at-sight orders. Nevertheless, for now, the state machinery remains focused on neutralizing any planned disruptions.
As Assam navigates this turbulent phase, the Dhubri incident stands as a grim reminder of the delicate balance that defines India’s communal fabric. With communal peace under attack from both internal and external sources, the response from state leadership may set a precedent for handling such sensitive issues in future.
