Several Eid committees in Assam have issued public appeals urging Muslims to avoid cow slaughter during Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) this year, calling for communal harmony, legal compliance, and peaceful celebrations.
The appeals come ahead of the festival and follow remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who encouraged religious committees to help maintain peace and respect for all communities in the state.
Assam, which has a significant Muslim population, has seen coordinated statements from multiple local Eidgah and Qabristan committees across districts including Dhubri, Hojai, Bongaigaon, and Udharbond.
Dhubri Eidgah Committee Issues Formal Advisory
In a detailed statement, the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee urged residents to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha “peacefully, lawfully and with social responsibility.”
The committee specifically asked people to follow the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, which restricts cow slaughter and imposes penalties for violations.
It said, “Cow slaughter remains prohibited under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act and violations may invite strict legal action, including imprisonment and financial penalties.”
The committee also advised that animal sacrifice should only be carried out in designated areas and urged citizens not to circulate photos or videos of sacrifices on social media.
“It could hurt the sentiments of other communities and disturb communal harmony,” the statement said.
“Cow Sacrifice Not Mandatory in Islam,” Say Committees
Eid committees also highlighted religious interpretations, stating that cow sacrifice is not compulsory in Islam and that other permissible animals can be used for Qurbani.
A statement from local committees said, “Sacrifice of any animal is not the objective of our religion; we should sacrifice inner jealousy during Eid.”
They further emphasized that India is a diverse country and maintaining peace and brotherhood is part of religious responsibility.
CM Sarma Welcomes Initiative
Chief Minister Sarma welcomed the appeals from Eid committees and praised them as steps toward communal harmony.
Posting on X, he said, “Eidgah and Kabristan management committees in Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Udharbond and several other places in Assam have appealed against cow slaughter during Bakrid.”
He added, “I welcome this effort to respect the sentiments of the majority Sanatan community of Assam. Such voluntary actions will strengthen peace and communal harmony.”
He also urged more committees to adopt similar resolutions ahead of the festival.
Legal Framework Behind the Appeals
The committees referred to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which regulates cattle slaughter and restricts beef-related activities in sensitive areas such as near temples and religious institutions.
The law does not impose a blanket ban on beef consumption but sets conditions for slaughter, transport, and sale of cattle, with strict penalties for violations.
Committees warned that non-compliance could result in legal action, including jail terms and fines.
Call for Social Media Responsibility
In addition to restrictions on cow slaughter, Eid committees also asked people to avoid posting images or videos of animal sacrifices online.
They said such content could create misunderstandings and disturb communal harmony, especially in sensitive districts.
Focus on Peaceful Eid Celebrations
The committees concluded their appeals by urging people to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with “peace, unity and mutual respect,” and to cooperate with authorities during the festival period.
Bakrid is expected to be observed on May 27, subject to moon sighting, with local administrations across India issuing guidelines for hygiene, public order, and regulated animal sacrifice.
