PANJIM: Goa for Beef – Beef for Goa, a newly formed group of concerned citizens from different walks of life and different parts of Goa, has questioned the Government’s double speak. They have demanded an immediate revocation of the provisions in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, which can lead to a ban on cattle slaughter.
It has questioned why the Government has failed to raise any issues or make any statement with respect to the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, which would affect the livelihoods of thousands of people in Goa, besides impinging on the food habits of a significant number of people in Goa.
The Coalition has said it is alarming that beef which is a source of protein for many people in Goa will soon be off the plate, rendering an important source of nutrition inaccessible. The Coalition has remarked the Government and its representatives have performed cartwheels with regards to statements. At one point it said it would respect the food choices of the people when it comes to eating meat to statements such as following the law and then selectively interpreting the law with a view to excluding minorities and marginalized sections such as farmers and Dalits , all of whom are dependent on animal slaughter of aged animals for their livelihood.
The Coalition is addressing a letter to the Chief Minister in this regard and sought an appointment to seek accountability from the Chief Minister in this matter. The Coalition will also initiate appropriate legal proceedings to get the provisions struck down as being in violation of the basic human rights to equality and to life and livelihoods as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
