Communal tensions in Assam's Dhubri: Prohibitory orders imposed, shops shut, gatherings banned; tear gas used to control mob

Time of India

10-06-2025

NEW DELHI: Prohibitory orders were clamped in Assam's Dhubri town in the wake of communal tensions, officials said.
Protests broke out in the town on Monday against the alleged act of meat being thrown near a temple.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Police had to resort to using tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, they said.
Issuing an order under Section 163 of the BNSS, District Magistrate Dibakar Nath on Monday said the restrictions would take effect immediately and remain in force until further notice.
"It has been brought to my notice that there is a likelihood of breach of peace and public tranquillity in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Dhubri Police Station due to communal tension, riot risk, violent protests, etc," he said.
Following this, he directed that all shops and markets in the Dhubri town area remain shut and prohibited gatherings of five or more persons in any public space.
The order also strictly barred the holding of any rally, procession, meeting, or demonstration.
Movements related to emergency services have been exempted from the restrictions, the order mentioned.
"As the circumstances of the situation do not admit service of notice in due time, this order is passed ex-parte," it added.
Speaking to reporters, Nath said, "I appeal to everyone to maintain peace, and there is no need to panic and get emotional. All must stay indoors and respect each other."
Another officer said that a suspected cow head was discovered near a temple on Sunday.
In protest, a mob targeted vegetable vendors and e-rickshaw drivers near Dhubri Magistrate Colony and New Market, he said.
Nath added that adequate personnel from both state and central forces had been deployed across the town.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
When asked if a curfew would be imposed, he said, "There will be no curfew, but a kind of semi-curfew will be there. All shops and markets will be closed. I request all not to pay heed to rumours, and one community must respect the other."
The district administration conducted meetings between the Hindu and Muslim communities on Sunday and urged both sides to maintain peace.
"During today's protest, we lobbed tear gas shells at one place.
No one was injured," Nath said, without giving further details.
Chief Minister
had said on Sunday that illegal cattle slaughter had allegedly taken place at multiple locations on Eid, observed Saturday, and that portions of meat were thrown in several areas across the state.
He said that police had arrested 16 persons from various places.