Assam's beef ban sparks regional uproar in the North-East

The Assam government's decision to amend the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, has drawn sharp criticism and ignited debates across the northeastern region and beyond.

- ABHIJIT DEB

The amendment, which extends the prohibition on beef consumption to public places such as hotels and restaurants statewide, has highlighted the complexities of imposing a uniform policy in India's culturally diverse landscape.

CULTURAL AND POLITICAL BACKLASH IN THE NORTH-EAST

Meghalaya has emerged as a vocal opponent of the amendment, with BJP MLA Sanbor Shullai leading the charge against the Assam government.

Shullai has categorically rejected any possibility of similar measures in Meghalaya, citing constitutional guarantees of individual and cultural freedoms.

He emphasized that dietary choices, including beef, are integral to the cultural identity of Meghalaya and the broader Northeastern region.

Shullai's statement, "As long as I am alive, there will be no beef ban in Meghalaya," reflects the deeply entrenched cultural resistance to such measures.

Similarly, Christian-majority states like Nagaland and Mizoram have long opposed beef bans, viewing them as an attack on their cultural practices.