This refers to the editorial “Cow slaughter is banned. What is the demand?” (April 13). Rightly argued, there is a dichotomy between ban on cow slaughter and ban on consumption of beef meat comprising of buffalo and oxen and still the meaningless narrow political chorus revolving on cow slaughter is going on endlessly in Goa, your editorial puts the confusion straight. Having visited Goa recently and this visit will remain imprinted on my minds for two causes, my sister’s grand reception and hospitality in Colva and for the apparent and real liberal climate and scenario, that is not in existence in any other part of India. As per my humble understanding and perception Goa simply cannot survive without liquor, beef and casino and therefore no restrictions be placed, modern day distortions like drug trafficking, paedophilia need to be checked and controlled.
The ‘beef debate’ is simply meaningless in this state, probably to deflect attention from basic issues and could be the result of a fragile coalition, the major constituent is silent and the other two partners speaking in different voices, the MGP in 1978 was instrumental to bring about The Goa, Daman and Diu Prevention of Cows Slaughter Act 1978 and still calling for ban on cow slaughter, our politicians must do proper homework before public utterances. If I am not wrong Goa Animal Preservation Act came into force from 1995 and not 1955 as printed in your edit, a checkup is necessary.
One should rightly honour Goa for being the first state to ban cow slaughter. Equally one should recognise that buffalo and oxen meat is consumed by one third of the population here and by tourists from all over the globe. Before consumption necessary certification is issued and Goa imports much from neighbouring states. To keep the state starved of its needs would be both foolhardy and foolish. In sum the Goan Government under the dynamic leadership of Mr Manohar Parrikar must put things in proper perspective, with ban on cow slaughter in place let there be no call for ban on consumption of buffalo and oxen meat, such animals which have outlived their functional usefulness.
Banning non-cow meat would affect the livelihoods of many. It is a very important thing to remember that ordinary and common people cannot afford mutton and chicken and the low rates of non-cow meat forces them to go for it, the matter of taste develops and found to be tastier. Kudos to your editorial.
On the wider plane the beef debate going on throughout the country is an intrusion on the privacy of the individual on food habits.
What we eat, how we dress and how we think may best be left to the citizens. That is how we can have greater unity and brotherhood so essential in an atmosphere filled with aggression but no love alas. People of other states have much to learn from Goa, the space for freedom, civility and love was so visible that I was praying to God that if there is any rebirth I may be born in this smallest state in my next life. As I finish, a Happy Easter to one and all.
