Assam: Protests erupt outside Missionary School in Kamrup after students allegedly served beef

Tensions flared outside the Carmel School campus in Andherijuli, located under Rani Police Station in Lower Assam's Kamrup district, following allegations that two students from Manipur had served beef to Hindu classmates during a tiffin break. The controversy, which ignited strong religious sentiments, led to widespread protests eight days after the incident allegedly occurred.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the main gate of the school, blocking entry and disrupting the ongoing half-yearly examinations. The protestors, comprising local residents and guardians, demanded swift action against the two students accused of serving beef, a culturally sensitive issue in the predominantly Hindu locality.

The community’s frustrations were exacerbated by what they perceived as a lack of response from the school administration.

A formal complaint, signed by 69 guardians, was submitted to the Circle Officer of Palashbari Revenue Circle. The complaint outlined the sequence of events, accusing two Class 8 students residing in the school hostel of offering beef to their Hindu peers during lunch on September 19. 

According to the protestors, the principal did not take any concrete steps to address the issue, further fueling discontent within the community. 

Speaking to India Today NE, DSP Kamrup (Rural) Rajiv Kumar Saikia said, "Yes, a controversy over beef being served to students have come to our notice. A case has been registered in this regard and investigation is underway".

On Monday, two guardians approached the school administration to lodge a formal complaint, but they alleged that the principal attempted to downplay the situation rather than take corrective measures. This perceived inaction culminated in a larger demonstration the following day, as over a hundred guardians and residents mobilized in front of the school demanding accountability and action against the accused students.

In response to the unrest, local authorities, including a police team accompanied by a magistrate, arrived on the scene to diffuse tensions. They assured the protestors that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and appropriate steps would be taken.

Despite the assurances, no formal charges have yet been filed by the police. The situation remains under close scrutiny as both the local community and authorities work toward a resolution.