Modi government attempting national beef ban

By APD writer Rishika Chauhan

NEW DELHI, May 27 (APD) - Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come up with a new law, banning sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets across the country.

According to a gazette notification recently released by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, cattle, including cows, calves, buffaloes and camels, can only be sold to farmers. It stresses, “ No person shall bring a cattle to an animal market unless upon arrival he has furnished a written declaration signed by the owner of the cattle or his duly authorized agent.”

The notification further states that the person interested in buying cattle will also have to show identity papers. “The name and address of the owner of the cattle, with a copy of the photo identification proof has to be stated. Document stating that the cattle has not been brought to the market for sale for slaughter must be produced,” it highlights.

However, the government of the province of Kerala intensely criticized the new law terming it a "fascist and anti-federal move." The agriculture minister, VS Sunil Kumar said that the government was merely imposing fascist policies of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is close to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. "Let it issue many such notifications, we will not follow them," he stressed.

Defending the law, Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, "The law will regulate animal markets and through them ensure welfare of cattle. District animal market committee will need to ensure that the seller and buyer are not involved in any kind of slaughter.”

The sale and purchase of goat, sheep, chicken and pig meat have not been banned. However, since Muslims consume beef, this law is being understood as anti-Muslims. Concerns about beef availability are also being raised as the holy month of Ramzan is beginning, which is when Muslims consume beef in large quantities.

The new law will also hamper meat exports from India as about 90 per cent of meat exported from the country is from cattle markets.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)