Team Herald
PANJIM: It was a ‘total’ beef blackout across the State on Monday as the vendors downed their shutters protesting against last week’s clashes with the members of a cow protection group in the SGPDA market, Margao.
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Beef supply is unlikely to resume on Tuesday as vehicle drivers from Belagavi are reluctant to enter Goa, citing safety reasons, according to the miffed vendors, who said that their business has been hit badly as demand for meat increases every festive season and due to the recent disruption ahead of Christmas, they are unable to meet the growing demand.
The All Goa Beef Vendors Association president Manna Bepari apprehended that there could be no supply of beef from Belagavi as vehicle drivers are reluctant to bring beef following violent clashes.
“It is unfortunate that these so-called cow vigilantes are even harassing vendors when they bring live animals for slaughtering at the Goa Meat complex abattoir,” he said.
According to Bepari, Goa requires around 20-25 tonne beef every day and this requirement was met by procuring beef from Mumbai and Hyderabad by trains, but due to the growing demand by hoteliers and consumers, fresh beef is only procured from Karnataka and Goa Meat Complex.
In a letter submitted to the Chief Minister, the Association of All Goa Muslim Jamats president Shaikh Bashir Ahmed stated that the attack was conducted under the guise of addressing religious sentiments. “These violent acts are not only infringing upon the rights of these vendors to earn their livelihood, but are also fostering a climate of fear and insecurity. Such acts harm the economic activities of the affected sections of the community and also pose a threat to the social fabric that binds our population.”
Ahmed said, “The disturbing trend is not limited to Margao alone. Just recently incidents of communal unrest were reported in Canacona and Cuncolim where tensions were stoked threatening the peaceful co-existence that Goa has long been known for. Incidents of a particular community by not allowing traditional businesses at the annual fairs or zatras of the temples are also increasing in the State.”
“Goa has always prided itself on its peaceful nature, and it is imperative that the government takes immediate steps to curb these incidents. The rise in communal tensions, under the guise of religion, is alarming and threatens to destabilise the harmony that Goa has cherished for decades,” Ahmed said.
The Association of All Goa Muslim Jamats has appealed to the Chief Minister to look into these incidents with the seriousness they deserve. It is essential that steps are taken to ensure the safety and security of all communities, particularly those engaged in legitimate businesses, and that any such disruptions be promptly addressed to maintain peace and economic stability.
Edward Jorge, owner of Gorge Bar and Restaurant, Panjim said, “So far we have not experienced shortage of beef, but if the shutdown continues then we could face shortage ahead of Christmas. The government should act immediately.”
Ibrahim Bepari, a supplier from Patto-Panjim said, “There is a shortage of beef in the market. I received beef from Goa Meat Complex, Usgao, on Sunday, but there was no supply on Monday. Also for the last two days, my supply from Belagavi has stopped due to clashes in Margao.”
In Mapusa market, nine beef shops/stalls were shut down to express solidarity with the two vendors who were attacked in Margao, and to put an end to harassment by cow protection groups.
The vendors later met Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira, who assured the traders all support to ensure rule of law and to support their cause for justice before all forums including the court of law.
