GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced the much talked about Assam Cattle Protection Bill, 2021 in the Assembly. The proposed Assam Cattle Protection Bill, 2021 was introduced for discussion on Monday, the first day of the Budget Session of the Assam Assembly. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma introduces Assam Cattle Protection Bill, 2021 in the Assembly.
Earlier, the Assam Cabinet had approved the bill to be introduced in the Assembly. The bill “envisages a complete ban on transportation of cattle outside the state.” The Bill is aimed at eliminating illegal animal trafficking in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Assam government’s move to introduce the Cow Protection Bill has raised concerns in other North Eastern States where beef is consumed.Most of the cattle imported by other North Eastern States for consumption pass through Assam.
But if the proposed Bill is passed in Assam, there will be acute shortage of meat in other North Eastern States. Chief Minister Konarad Sangma has said that the Meghalaya government will intervene if the proposed cow protection law in Assam affects the transportation of cattle in the state. CM Sangma said “After the passage of Assam and its implementation, we have to examine the law. Meghalaya Chief Minister Konarad Sangma has said that if the Bill has an impact on the North Eastern State, the Chief Ministers of all north-eastern states should intervene. At the same time, the Central Government should give a policy to the Government of Assam to bring this Bill well.
We have to look at the terms and conditions and how they plan to implement it. It would not be right for me to comment more without looking at the contents of the bill,”However, if there is any issue that will disrupt meghalaya’s economy, the matter will be taken up with the Assam government as well as the Centre,” he said. Beef is popular in Meghalaya and cattle from different parts of the country reach the state via Assam. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister of Assam said, “Cow is our mother. We will not allow smuggling of cows from West Bengal. Beef should not be consumed in places where cows are worshipped. He also clarified that this does not mean that everyone has to change their habits immediately.
The Chief Minister said that there is no need for Madina Hotel (where beef is found) in areas like Fancy Bazar, Shantipur or Gandhibasti. Because the people here are sensitive about it. There is no need for change in areas where there is no such sensitivity. Hemant Viswa Sarma said that our Constitution is also against cow slaughter. Cow slaughter should be prevented as per the directive principles of the State policy framed under the Constitution. Illegal trade of cows in the state will also be stopped.
