Dhubri on Edge: Assam CM’s Shoot-at-Sight Order After Temple Desecration Sparks Tension

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 14th June:  Eid in Assam’s Dhubri district began like any other—marked by prayers, gatherings, and a sense of celebration. But it was disrupted by an act that shook the community’s core. During the early hours of the festival, cow meat—an object of reverence for the majority Hindu community—was found near the Hanuman Mandir, a revered temple in the heart of the town.

What followed was not just a law-and-order crisis but a test of Assam’s communal resilience. The incident was more than just a case of religious provocation; it became a symbol of the larger battles being fought over identity, faith, and political assertion in the region.

The Streets Boil Over

As news of the desecration spread, Dhubri’s streets quickly descended into chaos. Protests erupted across town. What began as demonstrations rapidly turned violent. Mobs gathered, shouting slogans and demanding justice. Tempers flared. Property was damaged. Clashes with police broke out in several areas, forcing security personnel to use tear gas and impose restrictions on movement.

Soon, a district-wide clampdown followed. The local administration banned public gatherings, closed markets, and shut down shops in an attempt to restore order. Residents, already rattled, locked themselves indoors as communal tension gripped the town.

The Chief Minister’s Uncompromising Stand

Into this unrest stepped Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma—known for his decisive governance style and hardline stance on law and order. He didn’t address the issue from a distant capital. Instead, he arrived in Dhubri personally, walking the troubled streets, inspecting the damage, and meeting with anxious residents.

In a strongly worded message posted on social media, Sarma issued shoot-at-sight orders against any individual found desecrating religious sites. He declared zero tolerance for those who sought to incite violence and communal hatred in Assam. “This time on Eid, some anti-social elements committed a disgusting and condemnable crime… If required, I myself will guard Hanuman Baba’s temple all night long,” he wrote, making his personal resolve clear.

धुबरी में एक विशेष वर्ग हमारे मंदिरों को क्षति पहुंचाने की नीयत से सक्रिय हो चुका है।

We have issued SHOOT AT SIGHT ORDERS. pic.twitter.com/DDYqe0Xe1f

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 13, 2025

His message resonated with many who felt the state had not always acted decisively in past communal incidents. To others, it raised alarm bells—suggesting a possible shift from restraint to retribution.

A Community on Edge

Even after the immediate violence was quelled, the air in Dhubri remained heavy with suspicion and fear. The desecration had struck a deep nerve—not just among Hindus but also among Muslims who were appalled by the incident and worried about the backlash it might bring upon their community.

Peace committees were quickly formed in several localities, bringing together respected voices from both Hindu and Muslim communities. These grassroots efforts were aimed at restoring trust, encouraging dialogue, and ensuring that Dhubri did not spiral into deeper communal fracture.

With law enforcement maintaining a strong presence and political leaders watching closely, the town slowly reopened. Markets began to function again, curfews were lifted, and daily life resumed. Yet, beneath the normalcy, a quiet unease lingered.

Balancing Force with Responsibility

Chief Minister Sarma’s shoot-at-sight order has been one of the most debated decisions in the aftermath of the violence. Supporters see it as a necessary and bold step in a state that has seen repeated communal unrest. They believe it sends a clear message to troublemakers that religious provocations will not be tolerated.

However, critics argue that such directives risk undermining the principles of due process and democratic accountability. Empowering police forces to use lethal force can create a culture of fear, and in sensitive areas like Dhubri, where diverse communities live side by side, that fear can deepen existing divides.

This balance between strong governance and civil liberties is a tightrope—one that Assam’s leadership must walk carefully. If the goal is harmony, then justice must be both swift and fair, and must avoid inflaming tensions further.

The Lessons from Dhubri

The desecration of the Hanuman Mandir was more than an isolated act of mischief. It was a stark reminder of how vulnerable communities can be to hatred, and how quickly communal harmony can unravel when provoked.

But the incident also revealed the strengths within Assam’s social fabric. The formation of peace committees, the immediate action by the administration, and the personal outreach by the Chief Minister all helped to prevent a far worse outcome.

For Assam, the path forward lies in preserving the sanctity of its temples and mosques alike, while fostering understanding between communities. True strength does not only lie in the ability to punish but also in the capacity to unite.

Protecting Peace with Purpose

The events in Dhubri have underscored the fragility of peace in a state as culturally complex as Assam. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s firm response signals a leadership unwilling to allow hate to flourish unchecked. But it also demands caution—ensuring that justice doesn’t become vengeance, and that action doesn’t override accountability.

Dhubri has begun to heal, but its scars are still fresh. Assam’s people, its leaders, and its institutions must now come together—not just to prevent the next crisis, but to ensure that sacred places remain untouched by hate, and that peace is preserved not by force alone, but by shared respect and trust.