Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that night-time shoot-at-sight orders, first imposed on June 13 in Dhubri district following communal disturbances, will remain in force during the upcoming Durga Puja festival from September 28 to October 2.
The orders aim to maintain peace and protect the minority Sanatan Dharma community from fundamentalist threats. Sarma reiterated this during a programme in Kokrajhar, emphasising that although no recent violence has been reported, the government will not tolerate any attempt to disturb harmony in the border district.
“Anyone attempting to create unrest in Dhubri will face severe consequences,” he warned, highlighting the administration’s firm stance on law and order.
Government and Security Measures
Since the imposition of these orders, the government has arrested over 150 individuals involved in anti-social activities, including 11 people from outside Assam with pending cases. Sarma’s visits to Dhubri in June underscored the government’s commitment to crack down on communal forces trying to foment unrest, particularly during sensitive times like religious festivals.
Dhubri, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has a mixed population, with the Sanatan Dharma community being a minority. The shoot-at-sight directive reflects the government’s priority to shield this community while deterring communal violence and maintaining public order during the five-day Durga Puja celebrations.
Communal Tensions and Background
The orders came after a series of communal incidents in June, including the discovery of cow’s skulls outside the Hanuman Temple following Bakrid, incidents of stone-pelting, and allegations of illegal cattle slaughter. These acts sparked anxiety in the town, provoking both Hindu and Muslim community leaders to jointly appeal for peace.
Despite these appeals, tensions escalated, prompting the government to take strict measures. Political responses have been mixed; while some leaders support the government’s tough stance to prevent violence, others view it as disproportionate, arguing that proper investigations and dialogue are needed over heavy-handedness.
The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders to restrict assemblies and have brought in senior police officers to restore order comprehensively.
Heightened Security Amidst Cross-Border Threats
In addition to the ongoing shoot-at-sight orders, Dhubri district is on high alert due to perceived threats from across the Bangladesh border. Authorities have reported instances of calls and messages from fundamentalist groups trying to provoke residents, notably in the Gulog Ganch area.
The Assam government has intensified intelligence and police operations, including detentions and interrogations of locals suspected of involvement in these provocations. This heightened security environment aims to thwart any attempts at destabilising the region during Durga Puja, reflecting concerns about illegal immigration and cross-border influences that complicate maintaining peace in this sensitive border district.
The government’s proactive stance underscores its resolve to protect vulnerable minority communities and preserve law and order amid these challenges.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The state’s concern for minority protection during religious festivals is valid and necessary. However, sustaining peace through shoot-at-sight orders raises important questions about civil liberties, policing, and community trust.
True harmony arises not only from enforcing law but from fostering understanding, dialogue, and healing. The root causes of communal discord cannot be addressed through force alone; they require inclusive social initiatives and collaboration between communities. The Dhubri situation underscores the delicate balance governments must strike between security and empathy.
धुबरी में दुर्गा पूजा तक "Shoot at Sight" आदेश जारी रहेगा।
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 26, 2025
यहां सनातन धर्म के लोग अल्पसंख्यक हैं, और कट्टरपंथियों से उनकी सुरक्षा हमारी प्राथमिकता है। pic.twitter.com/AhAYR5ZYtz
