Delhi: In a significant policy move, the Assam government has proposed extending the ban on beef consumption to include restaurants and other public spaces. The development comes as the state government explores amendments to the existing Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, to tighten restrictions on the sale and consumption of beef in areas predominantly inhabited by non-beef-eating communities.
The proposed amendments, if enacted, would prohibit the preparation and consumption of beef in restaurants and other commercial establishments located in “protected zones.” These zones are defined as areas within a 5 km radius of temples, satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), and localities primarily inhabited by non-beef-eating populations.
State Minister Atul Bora emphasized the need to respect the sentiments of the non-beef-eating communities while highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving communal harmony. “The intention behind this amendment is not to create division but to maintain respect for the cultural and religious sensitivities of all communities,” Bora said.
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, enacted in 2021, already bans the slaughter of cows and calves while regulating the sale of beef and cattle transport across the state. The proposed expansion of the Act aims to ensure stricter compliance with the law and address grievances raised by religious and cultural organizations in the state.
Critics of the amendment argue that it could impose undue restrictions on certain communities and adversely impact businesses in the hospitality sector. Activists have raised concerns about the potential misuse of the law and its implications for the state’s social fabric.
The move has sparked widespread discussions, with proponents supporting the protection of religious sentiments and opponents advocating for the rights of individuals and communities to make dietary choices freely.
As the Assam government moves forward with the proposal, debates are expected to intensify over the balance between cultural preservation and individual freedoms. Stay tuned to Citizen News Daily for updates on this evolving story.
