Guwahati, May 23: Eid committees in different parts of the state have urged people to refrain from cow slaughter and maintain communal harmony during Eid-ul-Azha celebrations following an appeal by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Taking to X, Sarma said the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee had appealed to people to avoid cow slaughter while respecting the sentiments of Hindus and following the law of the land.
“Following the call by various committees, the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee has also urged people to refrain from cow slaughter to honour the sentiments of Hindus and follow the law of the land,” Sarma posted.
“I call upon all Eid committees to come forward and make this Eid cow slaughter free,” he added.
In a public statement issued on Friday, the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee urged residents to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha peacefully, lawfully and with social responsibility.
The committee requested Muslim devotees to strictly adhere to the legal provisions laid down by the Assam government regarding animal sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha. It stated that cow slaughter remains prohibited under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act and warned that violations could invite strict legal action, including imprisonment and financial penalties.
The committee also appealed to people to carry out sacrifices only in designated areas while maintaining hygiene and public decorum. It further urged citizens not to circulate photographs or videos of animal sacrifices on social media, stating that such content could hurt the sentiments of other communities and disturb communal harmony.
Describing Eid-ul-Azha as a festival symbolising sacrifice, compassion and unity, the committee called upon all sections of society to uphold peace, brotherhood and mutual respect.
It also appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure peaceful celebrations across the district.
Similarly, the Hojai Town Eidgah Kabrastan Committee also issued an appeal urging Muslim residents to maintain communal harmony and religious sensitivity during Eid-ul-Azha celebrations, particularly regarding animal sacrifice.
The committee highlighted the importance of complying with Assam government regulations concerning cow protection and stated that Islam does not make cow sacrifice compulsory.
“We have decided not to slaughter cows during Eid and have appealed to Muslim brothers not to slaughter cows during Eid. Sacrifice of any animal is not the objective of our religion; we should sacrifice inner jealousy during Eid. For our religious rituals, other religions should not be hurt,” the president of the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee said.
