Khattar promises law to stop cow slaughter

The issue of cow slaughter is closely linked to cattle theft in many parts of Haryana and often leads to tensions between communities.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. File photo

Haryana will soon enact a new law to stop cow slaughter, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Monday. Addressing a meeting in Yamunanagar, Mr. Khattar said his government would present the Bill in the next Assembly session.

The issue of cow slaughter is closely linked to cattle theft in many parts of Haryana, including those on the border with Uttar Pradesh, and often leads to tensions between communities.

Early in November this year, three youths — Nizam, Zuber and Md Ajeem — were arrested by the Delhi police for their alleged involvement in theft of cattle in Delhi and Haryana.

A country-made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from them.

Often the stolen cattle are transported as far off as Maharashtra for sale. Recently in September, the Nashik police arrested five men from Haryana while transporting stolen bulls in a tempo.

Police sources here said most of these gangs of cattle thieves are from Mewat in southern Haryana.

They move around in modified tempos and steal cattle either for sale or slaughter. These men are often armed.

In August last year, a 22-year-old guard was shot dead when he and two residents tried to stop a group of men from stealing cattle in Sihi village in Ballabhgarh. The incident had sparked off tensions in the area.