Unrest triggered by false allegations and provocative slogans targets Muslims unfairly, community leaders urge calm
DHUBRI — The northeastern district of Dhubri has witnessed escalating tension and violence in recent days following Eid-Al-Azha celebrations, as communal divisions have been fuelled by controversial policies and statements from the Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The unrest, sparked by disputes over sacrificial animal meat and exacerbated by inflammatory slogans and misinformation, has severely affected the local Muslim community, who face wrongful blame and intimidation.
Several groups reportedly raised protests regarding the sacrifice (Qurbani) during Eid, leading to clashes near the Hanuman temple when rumours spread about prohibited meat being kept there. This quickly escalated into violent confrontations between two groups, involving stone-pelting and disorder. The police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds, but the situation remained tense for several days.
Chief Minister Sarma arrived in Dhubri to assess the situation and announced a ‘shoot-at-sight’ order to control the unrest, targeting those he labelled as criminals. However, the Muslim community and its leaders have raised serious concerns that this heavy-handed approach unfairly targets innocent Muslims and risks further alienating the community.
“It is important to understand that not all Muslims are involved in criminal activities,” said Advocate Junaid Khalid, Secretary of Assam Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. ‘While the government’s intent to maintain peace is appreciated, the shoot-at-sight order must not be misused. Innocent people should not be caught in this.”
Videos circulating on social media have shown crowds waving weapons while chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’, with some participants reportedly abusing Muslims with offensive language. This has alarmed many in the Muslim community, who feel unsafe and targeted. Witnesses describe scenes where men carrying sticks and swords chased Muslims, while police were present but appeared to take little action to stop the violence.
“This is deeply troubling. Such communal slogans and attacks threaten the harmony of our society,” said Junaid Khalid. “The Muslim community wants peace and coexistence but feels under siege.”
Chief Minister Sarma claimed that some “Bangladeshi anti-social elements” were behind the unrest and accused them of posting controversial messages aimed at disturbing peace. He said, “Since Eid, there have been continuous incidents of illegal meat being stored near temples. This has caused repeated clashes and stone pelting.”
Sarma defended the shoot-at-sight order by stating it was necessary to restore order swiftly, adding that “all those involved in criminal behaviour will be arrested immediately.” However, critics argue that such orders risk excessive violence and collective punishment of innocent Muslims.
“It is unfair to accuse an entire community of the actions of a few,” said local activist Asif Ali. “The government should focus on protecting all citizens equally, rather than singling out Muslims. This approach only fuels more resentment.”
The events in Dhubri reflect a wider pattern of tension and distrust between communities in Assam, especially under policies perceived as targeting minorities. Many Muslims feel increasingly vulnerable due to political narratives that cast them as outsiders or troublemakers, despite their deep roots in the region.
“We have lived here for generations, contributing to Assam’s culture and economy,’ said Amina Begum, a resident. “Yet, we are blamed and harassed. The government must protect us, not persecute us.”
The situation remains fragile as the Muslim community calls for calm and dialogue. Religious leaders have appealed for peace and mutual respect during this sensitive time.
“Violence will not solve anything,” said Advocate Junaid Khalid. “We must work together to build trust and end this cycle of hatred.”
The Assam government faces mounting pressure to review its policies and rhetoric to prevent further communal strife. Analysts warn that heavy-handed orders like the shoot-at-sight may deepen divisions and cause irreversible harm to social harmony in Dhubri and beyond.
