NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday expressed serious concern over reports of illegal cattle slaughter during the Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations across the state, warning that strict action would be taken against violators, regardless of their faith or background.Taking to X, the chief minister said, “While our Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, it equally upholds the rule of law and public order. This Eid-ul-Zuha, disturbing incidents of illegal cattle slaughter and recovery of cattle parts were reported from multiple locations across Assam.”According to details shared by the chief minister, five separate cases involving the recovery of cattle parts were reported from areas including Cotton University in Kamrup (Metro), Dhubri, Hojai, and Sribhumi (Bagargool). Additionally, five illegal slaughter sites were uncovered, three in Cachar district (Gumrah, Silchar, and Lakhipur) and two in Karimganj (Badarpur and Banga).As part of the crackdown, 16 people have been arrested, nine from Cachar and seven from Sribhumi.“We are committed to preserving communal harmony, but not at the cost of lawlessness or cruelty. Please be clear that Strict action will be taken against all violators — irrespective of faith or background,” Sarma added.State beef ban and enforcement measuresThe crackdown comes amid Assam’s ongoing enforcement of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, which prohibits cattle slaughter in the state. Last year, the state government went a step further by announcing a blanket ban on the consumption of beef in public places, including restaurants, hotels, and public functions.Speaking on the policy shift in 2024, Sarma had said, “Earlier, our decision was to stop eating beef near temples, but now we have expanded it to the entire state. So you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant.”He also claimed the 2021 legislation had been successful in curbing cattle slaughter and stressed that the extended restrictions aim to promote peace and prevent communal tensions.