Eid-ul-Zuha: Assam Police Arrest 16 for Illegal Cattle Slaughter

Following Eid-ul-Zuha, Assam authorities have arrested 16 people for allegedly engaging in illegal cattle slaughter. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests, citing the recovery of cattle parts from different locations. The illegal slaughtering took place in multiple locations including Gumrah, Silchar, Lakhipur (Cachar), and Badarpur and Banga (Karimganj). Sarma reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony while ensuring that the law is followed and that violations will be addressed firmly. The situation also involved protests and clashes in Hojai, where community members blocked roads after reports of meat being found in public areas. The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 sets restrictions on cattle slaughter in specific areas. Police are investigating the incidents of meat being thrown in some areas.