A SHARP BITE

On July 3, Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy tweeted that the state government has decided to ban import and trading of dogs and the sale of dog meat, both cooked and uncooked. In the message he tagged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Maneka Gandhi, Member of Parliament and founder of non-profit People for Animals. A day later, the government issued a notification, which says violations will attract punishments under sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which deal with “mischief” against animals and the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960. Though Nagaland does not have a formal dog meat industry, certain Naga tribes consume it for nutrition. The ban might look logical to the outsider, but the Nagas believe it infringes on their cultural freedom and will lead to stigmatisation and further alienation. Small wonder, when ISHAN KUKRETI spoke with several organisations and individuals across Nagaland, he found many opposers but hardly any supporters of the ban

- ISHAN KUKRETI

Illegal trade of dogs from other states prompted the current ban

NOAH’S ARK NAGALAND

ONLINE ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATION

There has been much debate about the recent ban on the commercial import of dogs within the Naga community itself. We must first clarify the misconceptions that consumption of dog meat is prevalent all over the state. It is inaccurate. We also do not have occasions like dog meat festivals in the state. However, we must respect the food habit of all citizens given the diversity of culture and traditions of the Naga people. We think capturing stray dogs from outside the state—mostly from Assam and West Bengal—and transporting them to Nagaland has led to the current ban.

We too have two sides of the coin on the issue

TIAMERENLA MONALISA CHANGKIJA

EDITOR, NAGALAND PAGE