Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday appealed to the Muslim community in Assam to refrain from sacrificing cows during Bakrid, saying that several Muslim groups and individuals in the state had already decided against the practice this year out of respect for Hindu sentiments.
Speaking in the Assam Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said many members of the Muslim community had taken a positive step by deciding not to use cows for sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid. He described the move as a sign of communal harmony and mutual respect between communities in the state.
Addressing the House partly in Hindi, Sarma said, “Many Muslims and Muslim organisations in Assam have decided that this time they will not use cows for sacrifice. Respecting the sentiments of Hindus, they have decided not to use Gau Mata for sacrifice this year.”
He further said the decision reflects “a new era” and would strengthen the long-standing spirit of coexistence in Assam.
The Chief Minister thanked the Muslim community for the gesture and expressed hope that those who had not yet taken a decision would also avoid cow sacrifice during Bakrid celebrations on June 29.
“I hope those who have not yet decided will also take this decision, and this time no cow will be brought forward for sacrifice in Assam,” he added.
The statement was made during discussions in the Assembly ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha festival, one of the most important festivals in Islam, where animal sacrifice forms part of religious observance.
