Guwahati, June 8 (UNI) The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, warned against the illegal cattle slaughter and sale of beef after the police detected several incidents of illegal cattle slaughter from different parts of the state on the occasion of Eid Ul Zuha.

Taking to social media on Sunday, Sarma said, "While our Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally upholds the rule of law and public order. This Eid-ul-Zuha, disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and recovery of cattle parts were reported from multiple locations across Assam."

He said that 5 cases of cattle parts were found, including near Cotton University (Kamrup M), Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi (Bagargool).

"5 illegal slaughter sites uncovered – 3 in Cachar (Gumrah, Silchar, Lakhipur) and 2 in Karimganj (Badarpur, Banga)'.

As many as 16 arrests were made – 9 from Cachar and 7 from Sribhumi," said Sarma on his X handle on Sunday" adding that the government is committed to preserving communal harmony, but not at the cost of lawlessness or cruelty. Please be clear that Strict action will be taken against all violators, irrespective of faith or background.

It may be mentioned here that the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 banned cattle slaughter and sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs are in the majority and within a five-km radius of a temple or satra (Vaishnavite monastery).

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 also regulated the transportation and sale of all cattle, beef, and beef products in the state.

However, in December last year, the Assam cabinet decided to amend the 2021 act and put a restriction on public consumption of beef also. Accordingly, the sale and consumption of beef became prohibited in public places such as restaurants and hotels.

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