Ban on cattle slaughter evokes strong reactions

The Union government's decision on Friday to ban sale of cattle for slaughter at livestock markets once again threw into relief the sharp lines that divide opinion over beef. Political activists in Kerala even went so far as to organise, again, so-called 'beef fests'. In Uttar Pradesh, by contrast, cow shelters, welcomed the decision, saying the new rule would curb rampant theft and smuggling of cattle.

The hardest-hit, of course, is the buffalo meat trade in the country, which caters to a large domestic population as well as exports. India is the biggest seller of buffalo meat in the world, with exports of more than $4 billion a year to countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Egypt.

"The business is dead," said Aqil Qureshi, president of the Delhi Buffalo Traders' Welfare Association who runs a slaughterhouse outside the city and sells hides to leather companies. "We will take legal help, we will hit the streets. Who does not fight for their livelihood?"

The timing of the decision also leaves the significant Indian Muslim populace in a piquant situation, given that the holy month of Ramzan starts today – buffalo meat is a cheap and nourishing source of protein at the beginning and end of the day-long fast that goes on for a month.

In Kolkata, Md Ali, president of the Beef Dealers' Association told DNA that business, which had already slowed due to the shutting of illegal slaughterhouses, would be further hampered.

"The month of Ramzan begins tomorrow and during this time consumption of beef goes up. The price of beef has already gone up by Rs 10 a kg in the retail market and we apprehend that there will be a further rise in price," he told DNA.

West Bengal is one of the few states in the country where the slaughter of cows for meat is also permitted.

The 200-odd dealers in the Tangra slaughterhouse have already met to discuss the issue, he said. "We will write to Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee about the problems we are facing along with solution suggestions. Later, if need be, a delegation team of beef dealers would also like to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss the perils we are facing," Ali said.

At the other end of the spectrum is Prabhu Jalan, chairman of Lucknow-based Shri Lakshman Gaushala, who welcomed the move, saying it would help tackle rampant cattle theft and smuggling.

"Undoubtedly this is an appropriate step in the right direction, and should have been implemented long ago. This will also help in better handling of the stray cattle," he said.

Instead of selling cattle in the market, he said, a mechanism should be developed and efforts made so that people can adopt the livestock which would help "build a bond between humans and animals".

On Friday, the environment ministry notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which permits the trade of cattle only for agricultural purposes. The new rules define cattle as bulls, cows, buffalo, steers, heifers, calves and camels. The ministry said in a statement on Saturday that the regulation was to protect "animals from cruelty and not to regulate the existing trade in cattle for slaughter houses".

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi, an animal rights activist who had earlier called for an end to cow slaughter, welcomed the move.

Farmers would also send ailing and unhealthy cattle for slaughter to these markets. The new rule will ensure such things don't happen," she said.

States ruled by Opposition parties were less forgiving. In Kerala, activists of the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF, opposition Congress-headed UDF and their youth wings took out marches and organised these fests across the state, where beef is widely consumed.

Pinarayi Vijayan, chief minister of Kerala, one of the other states where sale of beef is legal, said the Centre's decision was surprising (and) was unsuitable for a democratic nation.

In the same vein, V Narayanasamy, Chief Minister of the Congress-ruled Puducherry slammed the ban, saying government has no right to impose restrictions on food habits of people, calling it "autocratic and a clear case of infringement on the rights of people relating to food habits".

– With inputs from agencies