In a bold and controversial move, the Assam government issued a “shoot-at-sight” order after dark in the Dhubri district, following a series of disturbing communal provocations. This rare and extreme directive, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 13, 2025, comes amid growing tensions triggered by the desecration of Hindu temples and violent stone-pelting incidents.
Why the order was given
The immediate cause was the discovery of severed cow heads placed at Hanuman temples—acts clearly meant to inflame religious sentiments. When tensions flared into stone-pelting and potential riots, the state government had to act quickly to prevent escalation.
Chief Minister Sarma, after visiting the affected areas, declared that anyone seen engaging in violence, particularly at night, would face shoot-on-sight action. He clarified that this would apply to individuals involved in:
Throwing stones or meat at religious places,
Violent mobs assembling after dark,
Threatening communal harmony in sensitive areas
The message is clear: zero tolerance for attempts to disrupt Assam’s peace.
The Bigger Issue
The shoot-at-sight order is not just about law enforcement—it reflects the fragile communal balance in certain parts of India. The Chief Minister has accused extremist groups like “Nabin Bangla”—allegedly with foreign links—of trying to disturb peace in Assam. Whether or not those claims are fully proven, the reality is that public confidence and religious respect are under threat.
Conclusion
The shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri is a sign of the times—when provocations are deliberate, and law and order must respond with urgency. But such powers must be exercised with caution, transparency, and strict oversight.
Peace cannot be restored by force alone—it must be defended with justice and unity.