Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday dismissed allegations linking the Hindu community to the Dhubri temple beef incident, stating firmly that no Hindu was involved in the desecration of the Hanuman temple in the Palpara area.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister described the Congress party’s reaction as “cheap thinking” and accused it of trying to stoke communal tension for political gains.
CM Calls for Calm and Unity
“There is no Hindu involved in the incident,” Sarma stated during a press interaction. “I request everyone not to give this a communal colour. The Congress is deliberately trying to instigate hatred among communities by twisting facts.”
The Chief Minister urged people to maintain peace and harmony, warning that anyone found trying to inflame tensions would face strict legal consequences.
Incident Sparks Tension in Dhubri
The incident occurred on June 14 when locals in Chapar’s Palpara locality alleged that beef was thrown into the temple premises, triggering public outrage. Tensions escalated rapidly, leading to increased police presence in the region.
The Assam Police arrested two individuals, one of whom is reportedly from a minority community, on charges of hurting religious sentiments and disrupting public peace.
While an investigation is underway, early findings indicate that the act was a deliberate attempt to provoke communal discord.
Congress Criticized for ‘Communal Narrative’
CM Sarma launched a scathing attack on the Congress for its statements following the incident. Senior Congress leaders had earlier demanded an impartial inquiry and alleged that fringe right-wing elements may have staged the act to target minority groups.
“Congress is trying to fish in troubled waters. Their comments are not only irresponsible but dangerous,” Sarma said. “They must stop politicizing every sensitive issue.”
Political Repercussions Begin to Show
The incident has widened the political divide in Assam. While the BJP government has maintained that peace and justice will prevail, opposition parties continue to demand transparency.
All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal stated that the government must avoid targeting any one community. “A fair investigation is a must. The guilty should be punished, but the state must act impartially,” he said.
Meanwhile, local organizations in Dhubri have called for restraint, urging people not to fall prey to misinformation.
Security Tightened Across Dhubri
In light of the incident, police have increased patrols and surveillance in sensitive areas of Dhubri and surrounding localities. Checkpoints have been installed, and additional forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh visited Dhubri a day earlier and assured the public that no individual or group will be allowed to disturb peace.
CM Appeals to Maintain Religious Harmony
CM Sarma concluded his address by emphasizing Assam’s tradition of interfaith harmony and appealed to the people to not let “a few miscreants” hijack the state’s social fabric.
“The identity of Assam lies in unity. We cannot allow such divisive acts, nor can we allow political vultures to exploit them,” he said.
The Dhubri temple beef incident has once again highlighted how sensitive issues can be weaponized for political gains. As investigations continue, public focus remains on maintaining peace and ensuring justice without bias or provocation.
For updates on communal harmony and law enforcement actions in Assam, follow our Assam Politics section.
