Muslim leaders question Himanta Biswa Sarma govt’s motive, warn against threats to religious Harmony in the state
DHUBRI – The highly controversial ‘shoot-at-sight’ order in Assam’s Dhubri area will remain in force till the end of the Durga Puja festival from September 28 to October 2, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said.
The directive, which applies during the nighttime hours, was imposed on June 13 following incidents of communal unrest that broke out in Dhubri town, which is close to the border with Bangladesh.
The move this week has sparked widespread unrest across the district with criticism from both Hindu and Muslim leaders. They claim the move threatens the long-standing religious harmony in the region.
Muslims have expressed serious concerns over the government’s approach. Guwahati High Court advocate Ilyas Ahmed said, “Dhubri district has been a symbol of religious harmony. Durga Puja and other festivals are always celebrated here in an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood. When there was never any dispute in the past, then why extend the ‘Shoot at Sight’ now? The government should avoid such a decision because it gives a wrong message to society.”
Ahmed further added, “If the government was concerned about security, it should have increased administrative vigilance and not issued such a controversial order that risks creating fear and distrust among communities.”
The chief of Ittehad Front, Narul Islam, also voiced displeasure, questioning the need for such extreme measures. “Durga Puja has always been celebrated in an atmosphere of peace in Dhubri. There has never been such a situation that required this order. This step of the government is going to create distrust among the communities and is completely unfair,” he said.
Local farmer union leader Mukul Bada, while representing the concerns of many Hindu citizens, admitted, “Durga Puja has been celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere in Dhubri for many decades. There has never been any problem. In such a situation, extending the ‘Shoot at Sight’ directive is an attempt to create division in the society. The government is doing politics to pit Hindus and Muslims against each other before the 2026 elections.”
Residents of Dhubri have expressed confusion and frustration at the controversial order. People from both communities told local reporters that while security arrangements during festivals are understandable, extreme orders like ‘Shoot at Sight’ are unnecessary and risk damaging the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of Assam. One local resident said, “We have lived together for generations, celebrating festivals peacefully. Such orders only create fear and suspicion between neighbours who have always respected each other.”
Political analysts warn that such decisions could heighten communal tensions in Assam at a sensitive time ahead of elections. They stress that the government should consult community leaders and focus on balanced security measures rather than provocative orders that may undermine social cohesion.
As the controversy grows, citizens and religious leaders alike have called for the immediate withdrawal of the order and the initiation of dialogue between authorities and community representatives to maintain peace in Dhubri.
