Guwahati, June 9 (UNI) Curfew was imposed on Monday in Assam's Dhubri town, with the administration apprehending breach of peace and public tranquility amidst prevailing tension following the recovery of a severed cow head and beef from the premises of a temple.

The incident triggered widespread protests in the town, and the locals demanded immediate action against the culprits.

Although the police and senior district administration officials reached the spot in Ward no 3 immediately they faced resistance from the locals.

The local Hindu community also prevented the police from removing the banned substance from the temple until the culprits are arrested.

The people took to the streets and shouted slogans in protest. This is the third incident of recovery of beef from the same temple in recent times.

The District Commissioner, Dhubri, promulgated prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita 2023.

As per the prohibitory order, all shops and market establishments falling within the Dhubri Town area will remain closed until further notice.

The order also banned assembly of 5 (five) or more persons in any public places, streets and thoroughfares intending to hold demonstration/meeting/procession or anything similar in Dhubri town area.

"Organising any Rally/Procession/Meeting/Demonstration are strictly prohibited," the order said adding that only emergency services like Medical Establishment, Education institutions, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, APDCL officials, Army and other Paramilitary forces and such other persons specifically permitted and in whose favour relaxation is granted either by the undersigned or by those who are authorized to issue relaxation of this order as deemed fit and proper.

Assam police had arrested 16 persons recently for illegal cattle slaughter and sale of beef on the occasion of Eid Ul Zuha .

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that cattle parts were found in five places including near Cotton University (Kamrup M), Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi (Bagargool). Five illegal slaughter sites were uncovered – 3 in Cachar (Gumrah, Silchar, Lakhipur) and 2 in Karimganj (Badarpur, Banga).

16 arrests were made – 9 from Cachar and 7 from Sribhumi, Sarma posted on his X handle on Sunday and added that strict action will be taken against the violators.

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 slaughter of all cattle, and sale of beef and beef products in the state.

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