Mankachar MLA slams Assam’s beef ban as 'communal attack'

Mankachar MLA Aminul Islam has strongly criticized the Assam government’s decision to ban beef consumption in hotels, restaurants, and community gatherings, calling it “an attack on secularism” and alleging it unfairly targets the state’s Muslim community.

“This decision is clearly an attempt to polarize voters ahead of the elections,” Islam stated. He also accused Congress MP Rakibul Hussain and Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah of colluding with the BJP to create what he termed a "beef controversy." Islam demanded answers from the Congress leaders, whose remarks reportedly prompted the ban.

The move has also sparked anger among locals, with one resident labeling the decision as "blatantly communal." They said, “While the government turns a blind eye to rampant drug trafficking that is ruining Assam’s future, it chooses to focus on communal issues. If Himanta Biswa Sarma truly has courage, let him ban pork in Assam.”

Another local criticized the government’s priorities, stating, “The cabinet seems to lack capable politicians. They failed to stop illegal cow syndicates yet talk about banning beef. This is about controlling personal freedoms, not governance.”

The controversy erupted after allegations that the BJP distributed beef during the byelection in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who chaired a virtual cabinet meeting from New Delhi, approved the ban amid growing backlash.