Assam Government to Enforce 5-Km Cattle Slaughter Ban Around Religious Sites

On June 20, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed all deputy commissioners and police superintendents in Assam to strictly enforce the provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, particularly the clause prohibiting cattle slaughter and sale within a 5-kilometre radius of religious institutions. The move comes after recent tensions surfaced in certain areas over alleged violations near temples.

Addressing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to protect communal harmony while ensuring the law is upheld in both spirit and action. He instructed district officials to take immediate steps to identify sensitive zones and ensure that the 5-km buffer area is free from any activity involving the slaughter or sale of cattle. Authorities were also told to keep an eye on potential flashpoints and maintain surveillance to prevent any provocative incidents.

The government is also in the process of finalizing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to bring uniformity in the law’s enforcement across all districts. Community awareness campaigns, coordination with religious leaders, and deployment of quick-response teams are being considered as part of a holistic enforcement strategy. Officials are expected to submit compliance reports within the next 10 days.