Dhubri: The district administration has deployed armed police and paramilitary forces in communally sensitive areas across Dhubri, including places of worship, to ensure peaceful Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations on Thursday. Despite Muslim organisations stating that they would refrain from cow sacrifice this year on Eid-ul-Zuha, security has been stepped up to prevent any untoward incidents.
Past incidents prompt heightened security
Last year, shortly after Eid-ul-Zuha, animal parts were recovered from the premises of a place of worship in Dhubri, followed by wall writings by a newly floated Muslim underground organisation, Nabin Bangla. These two incidents triggered communal tension, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had to visit Dhubri and issue a shoot-at-sight order against those creating trouble. Precautionary measures are being taken by the Dhubri district administration and police to maintain law and order.
Muslim bodies appeal for peaceful observance
In a significant development, a conglomeration of prominent Muslim bodies issued an appeal in the form of a printed leaflet to the Muslim community to refrain from kurbani (sacrifice) of cows and urged them to choose alternatives during Eid-ul-Zuha. In a joint public statement released on Sunday by the Dhubri Eidgah Committee, Dhubri Kabrastan Committee, and various mosque committees of Dhubri district, people were urged to abide by the law against cow slaughter.
Bidypara Jame Masjid (Markaz) president Salim Khan told TOI that organisations have appealed to the people of the Muslim community to abide by the law which regulates cattle slaughter in the state of Assam. While acknowledging the cow sacrifice tradition practised by many, Khan emphasised that Islam does not make it compulsory, as several other alternatives are available for performing Qurbani. He added that every individual should be able to observe their religious practices without causing discomfort or offence to followers of other faiths.
District administration on alert
Dhubri district commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal stated that apart from sufficient police and paramilitary forces deployed in the district, backup forces are being kept on standby. The administration is committed to ensuring a peaceful and harmonious celebration of Eid-ul-Zuha.
