Guwahati, Jun 10: Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Dhubri town of Assam after communal tensions erupted over the alleged recovery of a cow head near a temple, officials said on Monday.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, triggered protests across the town. According to police, a mob attacked vegetable vendors and e-rickshaw drivers near Dhubri Magistrate Colony and New Market during the agitation. To bring the situation under control, police used tear gas shells. No injuries were reported.

District Magistrate Dibakar Nath issued the prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing a potential threat to peace and public order. The order, which took immediate effect, prohibits the assembly of five or more people in public places and bans rallies, processions, meetings, and demonstrations. All shops and markets have been ordered to remain closed. Emergency services have been exempted from the restrictions. The order was issued ex-parte due to the urgency of the situation.

“There will be no curfew, but a semi-curfew-like situation is being maintained. I appeal to all residents to stay indoors, maintain peace, and not believe in rumours,” Nath told reporters.

Additional security forces from both state and central agencies have been deployed across the town. The district administration also held peace meetings with leaders of both Hindu and Muslim communities on Sunday, urging all sides to cooperate in maintaining harmony.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that portions of meat from allegedly illegally slaughtered cattle were thrown at various locations across the state during Eid celebrations. He said police had arrested 16 people in connection with the incidents.