Cattle slaughter ban: Kerala CM to call all CMs' meet, summon special session of assembly

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday held a press conference to address his stand on the centre's proposed ban on the new cattle regulation law.

Speaking to media persons, Vijayan said, "It has to be examined that whether central govt has the power to issue this order.

Kerala’s chief minister also added that he will discuss the issue with opposition party leader and summon a special session of assembly to discuss the issue

Earlier, Vijayan had written to the PMO expressing concern over the Centre's plan to impose restrictions on cattle trade, which he said would have serious impact on the livelihoods of millions of Indians.

"It may be noted that the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change regarding the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 mandates that cattle can be traded only by those who have valid documentation that the cattle will be used only for agricultural purposes. Of the millions of farmers in our country, only a miniscule number of them have documentation to prove that they are engaged in agriculture. Therefore, it would be extremely difficult for the vast majority of our farmers to legally procure draught animals used for agriculture and other domestic purposes," Vijayan wrote.

Reminding the Centre of meat being the primary source of protein for millions of poor Indians, Vijayan added, "Such restrictions being imposed on the eve of Ramzan, would certainly appear to certain communities of our country as a direct attack on them. People of all faiths consume meat in our country, not just the minorities. Once the prohibition comes into effect, it will not only deprive them of adequate nutrition, but also prevent the availability of raw material for the leather industry."

Vijayan also requested the PMO to intervene in this matter and repeal the newly imposed restrictions.