CM Himanta Sarma Hails Eid Committees’ Call for Cow Slaughter-Free Bakrid in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday welcomed multiple Eidgah and Qabristan committees across Assam, including Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Udharbond, who issued formal appeals urging the Muslim community to refrain from cow slaughter during the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid).

Sarma highly praised the initiative, framing it as a monumental step toward strengthening the socio-religious fabric of the state, a significant move toward fostering communal harmony.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated, "I welcome this effort to respect the sentiments of Assam's majority Sanatan community.”

“Such voluntary actions will strengthen the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state. I hope other committees will also issue similar appeals. I call upon all Eid committees to come forward and make this Eid cow slaughter-free,” he added.

In an official notice dated May 23, 2026, the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee detailed the strict legal penalties associated with the practice under the state's current laws, while emphasising that the restriction does not infringe upon religious obligations.

Why Are Assam Eid Committees Urging No Cow Slaughter During Bakrid?

"The Government of Assam has already implemented the Cattle Preservation Act. Under the provisions of this law, sacrificing cows is legally prohibited," the committee's statement read.

It warned citizens that violations attract non-bailable charges, carrying a minimum jail term of three years up to a maximum of seven years, alongside heavy fines.

Addressing the religious aspect, the committee clarified that sacrificing a cow is by no means mandatory in Islam.

While cows have traditionally been a readily available choice for families in Assam, Islamic jurisprudence explicitly permits the sacrifice of alternative Halal (permissible) animals.

The directives highlight both the legal framework of the state and Islamic religious guidelines to encourage compliance, a move that has been warmly welcomed by state leadership.

The standard operating procedure issued by the committees also took note of past frictions, citing instances where "unknown miscreants" attempted to disrupt peace during previous celebrations.

To prevent provocation and maintain mutual respect, the committee included a strict advisory regarding social media behaviour and complete avoidance of cow sacrifice and a directive prohibiting the public sharing of photos or videos featuring sacrificial animals or meat, ensuring the sentiments of the majority Sanatan (Hindu) community are not inadvertently hurt.

Bakri Eid is expected to be observed on May 27, subject to moon sighting. Ahead of the festival, several states, including Delhi, have issued strict guidelines to regulate animal sacrifice, hygiene, and public order.

(With inputs from ANI)