Various Eidgah committees in Assam have appealed not to slaughter cows on Bakrid. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed this decision and called it a historic step towards strengthening social harmony and asked other committees to take such initiatives.
Guwahati: Before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) in Assam, an important initiative regarding communal harmony and social unity has emerged. Various Eidgah and graveyard committees of the state have appealed to the Muslim community not to slaughter cows on the occasion of Bakrid. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma openly welcomed this initiative and called it a historic step to strengthen peace and religious harmony in the state.
The Chief Minister said that this decision has not been taken under any pressure but in the spirit of social sensitivity and mutual respect. He expressed hope that other Eid committees in the state would also issue similar appeals, so that the message of “cow slaughter-free Bakrid” could be conveyed in Assam this year.
What did Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma say?
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that respecting the sentiments of Assam’s majority Sanatan community is important for social harmony.
“I welcome this voluntary step taken by various Eidgah and graveyard committees of Assam. This initiative will further strengthen peace, brotherhood and communal harmony in the state,” he said.
The Chief Minister further said that if different communities of the society respect each other’s religious and cultural sentiments, it will increase mutual trust and cooperation in the state.
He appealed to all the Eid committees to come forward and cooperate in making this year’s Bakrid “cow slaughter free”.
Dhubri Eidgah Committee’s appeal becomes center of discussion
The initiative started with an official notice issued by the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee. In this notice issued on May 23, the Muslim community was appealed not to sacrifice the cow keeping in mind the laws of the state and social sensitivity.
The committee clarified that sacrifice of cows is legally prohibited under the Animal Protection Act enforced by the Assam government. In the notice, people were warned that strict action could be taken if the law is violated.
According to the committee, a case can be registered against the violators under non-bailable sections, which have a provision of imprisonment ranging from three years to seven years and heavy fine.
“Sacrifice of cow is not mandatory in Islam”
Dhubri Eidgah Committee also clarified the religious aspect in its statement. The committee said that sacrificing a cow is not a mandatory religious duty in Islam.
Many other animals can also be sacrificed as per Islamic traditions, which are considered religiously valid, the statement said.
“Cow has traditionally been a readily available animal in Assam, hence many families have been choosing it. But Islamic law clearly permits the sacrifice of other halal animals,” the committee said.
Religious experts believe that this statement is considered important towards maintaining social balance and removing misunderstandings.
Increased discussion at social and political level
Social and political discussion has intensified in the state regarding this issue. Many social organizations and civic groups have described this initiative as a positive step.
Experts say that mutual understanding and dialogue on sensitive issues during religious events play an important role in maintaining social peace.
Some political analysts believe that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement is important from both the social balance and political message point of view in the state.
Strict laws are already in force in Assam
Strict laws regarding animal protection are already in force in Assam. The state government has taken several legal steps over the years to stop cow smuggling and illegal animal slaughter.
Under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, several restrictions have been imposed on the slaughter, transportation and illegal trade of cows. The government says that the purpose of these laws is to maintain social sensitivity and stop illegal activities.
However, there have been political and social debates regarding these laws in the past as well. Some organizations called it a step towards cultural conservation, while some opposition parties raised questions linking it to religious freedom.
Emphasis on communal harmony
In his statement, Chief Minister Sarma repeatedly emphasized on communal harmony and social harmony. He said that progress of any state is possible only when all the communities there live with mutual respect and cooperation.
He also said that the identity of Assam has been linked to the peaceful co-existence of diverse cultures and communities and it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain it.
Political experts believe that such appeals give the message of resolving sensitive issues through dialogue and consensus instead of confrontation.
Reaction taking place across the country
This initiative which came to the fore in Assam is now being discussed at the national level also. Many people on social media have described this as an example of communal harmony.
Some religious leaders also said that the purpose of festivals is to increase love and brotherhood in the society, hence it is important to respect the sentiments of different communities.
However, some organizations also said that it is necessary to maintain a balance between religious traditions and individual rights and any decision should be implemented only voluntarily.
Bakrid and tradition of sacrifice
Eid-ul-Azha, also known as Bakrid, is a major festival of Islam. It is considered a symbol of the spirit of renunciation and sacrifice.
On this day the Muslim community traditionally sacrifices animals and their meat is distributed among the needy. According to Islamic beliefs, different types of animals can be selected for sacrifice.
Religious scholars say that the main purpose of sacrifice in Islam is the spirit of sacrifice and service, and not the necessity of a particular animal.
What could be the impact going forward?
Experts believe that if other Eid committees also issue similar appeals, then a different example of social harmony can be seen in Assam this time during Bakrid.
This initiative can also become a model for promoting mutual dialogue and social sensitivity during religious events in the future.
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