'New era of coexistence', Assam CM thanks, praises Muslim groups for not sacrificing cows during Eid al-Adha
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, prohibits the trade and consumption of beef in areas that have a large population of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and other non-beef-eating communities or within a radius of 5 km of any temple or other such institutions.
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On Tuesday, May 26, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude towards several Muslim organisations for deciding against sacrificing cows as part of the Qurbani ritual during Bakri Eid celebrations this year. He said that this was a unique step by the community towards assuring coexistence.
This comes a couple of days after Sarma praised Eidgah committees in Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Udharbond, and other places for their appeal to Muslims not to slaughter cows during Bakrid. "They have respected the sentiments of the majority community. Such voluntary actions will go a long way in strengthening communal harmony in Assam,” Sarma was quoted as saying.
The Hojai Town Eidgah and Kabarasthan Committee said last week that cow sacrifice is practically not possible within the jurisdiction, as it had said that although existing laws do not restrict cow sacrifice outside a specified distance from temples, the town has over a hundred temples and a mixed population adhering to different religions.
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, prohibits the trade and consumption of beef in areas that have a large population of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and other non-beef-eating communities or within a radius of 5 km of any temple or other such institutions. In December 2024, the Assam government announced a ban on the serving and consumption of beef in public places, including hotels, restaurants, and community gatherings. The decision was made to “further strengthen” the existing law.
"This time, many Muslims and several Muslim groups in Assam have decided that they will not use cows for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Respecting the sentiments of Hindus, they have decided not to use Gau Mata as part of the sacrifice this time. This indicates the beginning of a new era and presents a clear picture of changing times," CM Sarma said.
Thanking the Muslim community of Assam for taking this decision, he added that if this decision is implemented, it will naturally have a deep impact on the Hindu community of Assam and will further strengthen the spirit of coexistence that has always existed in the state. "I hope that by the time Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) is celebrated on the 29th, those who have not yet made a decision will also decide similarly, and that no cows will be used for sacrifice in Assam this time," he added.
VIDEO | Guwahati: In state assembly session, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) says, “This time, many Muslims and several Muslim groups in Assam have decided that they will not use cows for sacrifice during Bakrid. Respecting the sentiments of Hindus, they have decided… pic.twitter.com/6eekzhroAR
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 26, 2026
This comes a couple of days after Sarma praised Eidgah committees in Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Udharbond, and other places for their appeal to Muslims not to slaughter cows during Bakrid. "They have respected the sentiments of the majority community. Such voluntary actions will go a long way in strengthening communal harmony in Assam,” Sarma was quoted as saying.
The committee had appealed to people to sacrifice other lawful animals during Eid al-Adha. Further, it had also appealed to them not to share photos or videos of the sacrificial animals or their meat on social media.
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, prohibits the trade and consumption of beef in areas that have a large population of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and other non-beef-eating communities or within a radius of 5 km of any temple or other such institutions. In December 2024, the Assam government announced a ban on the serving and consumption of beef in public places, including hotels, restaurants, and community gatherings. The decision was made to “further strengthen” the existing law.