Tension in Assam’s Dhubri: 38 Arrested After Communal Clash, Shoot-at-Sight Orders Imposed

A wave of unrest gripped Dhubri district in Assam after a communal dispute escalated into violence late on Friday night. Authorities acted swiftly, arresting 38 individuals and enforcing strict shoot-at-sight orders to prevent further escalation. The situation remains tense, with security forces maintaining a strong presence across sensitive areas.

What Triggered the Violence

According to local officials, the clash reportedly began after a disagreement between two communities during a public gathering. The disagreement quickly turned violent, leading to stone pelting, property damage, and reports of minor injuries. Police had to intervene with force to bring the situation under control.

Senior district officials said the violence appeared to be pre-planned, with social media rumours contributing to the tension.

Immediate Action Taken by Authorities

The Assam government wasted no time in responding. A total of 38 people were taken into custody overnight for their alleged involvement in the violence. Authorities imposed Section 144 in several areas and announced shoot-at-sight orders after dusk to curb further incidents.

Paramilitary forces have been deployed, and drone surveillance is being used to monitor movement in sensitive localities.

Impact on Daily Life

In Tier 2 towns like Dhubri, where community harmony plays a vital role in daily life and small-scale businesses, such incidents shake local confidence. Shops remained shut, schools were closed, and roads deserted for most of the day.

Several residents expressed fear about stepping out, especially during the night. Public transport has also been suspended temporarily in the affected areas.

Appeals for Peace and Calm

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to citizens to maintain peace and not fall for provocative messages being circulated online. Religious leaders and local representatives have also urged both communities to come together and restore normalcy.

Police have warned against the spread of fake news and said strict action will be taken against those inciting violence through social media platforms.

Relevance to the Wider Region

The situation in Dhubri holds significance for other Tier 2 cities with similar demographic diversity. Communal flare-ups, if not addressed swiftly, can destabilize peaceful coexistence and affect local economies. Cities like Siliguri, Bareilly, and Aligarh—where diverse communities live together—often watch such incidents closely.

Conclusion

The communal unrest in Assam’s Dhubri district serves as a stark reminder of how quickly tensions can spiral into violence. With 38 arrests and a firm administrative response, authorities are working to restore order. As the district recovers, efforts toward rebuilding trust and ensuring peace will be key to preventing future unrest.