GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, May 26, welcomed appeals by several Muslim committees urging people not to sacrifice cows during this year’s Eid-al-Adha (Bakrid) celebrations, saying the move could strengthen communal harmony in the state.
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Addressing the Assam Assembly, Sarma said several Muslim organisations in Assam had decided against using cows for Qurbani, or ritual sacrifice, during Bakrid, keeping in mind Hindu sentiments.
“Several Muslim organisations in Assam have decided not to use cows for sacrifice during Bakri Eid this year, keeping in mind the sentiments of the Hindu community,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the decision could further strengthen Assam’s tradition of communal harmony.
“I thank the Muslim community of Assam for this decision. If implemented widely, it will further strengthen the spirit of coexistence in the state,” he added.
Sarma also reiterated his appeal against the use of cows for sacrifice and expressed hope that groups yet to announce a decision would adopt a similar stand before Eid-ul-Adha.
Several Muslim committees in districts including Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon and Udharbond issued appeals on Saturday, May 23, urging people to refrain from cow slaughter ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.