The unilateral decision of the Centre to ban cattle trade, a drastic move with far-reaching consequences, is an infringement on the rights of States, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Vijayan said the introduction of such restrictions in a hasty manner would certainly prove to be a challenge in upholding the nation’s plurality, the essence of the nation. It was also against the principles of secularism and federalism enshrined in our Constitution.
It may be noted that the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change regarding the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, mandates that cattle can be traded only by those who have valid documentation and that cattle will be used only for agricultural purposes.
Of the millions of farmers in the country, only a minuscule number of them had documentation to prove that they were engaged in agriculture, the letter said. Therefore, it would be extremely difficult for the vast majority of the farmers to legally procure draught animals used for agriculture and other domestic purposes.
“May I also remind you that meat is the primary source of protein for millions of poor and ordinary people in this country, particularly the Dalits. Such restrictions being imposed on the eve of Ramzan would certainly appear to certain communities of our country as a direct attack on them. People of all faiths consume meat in our country, not just the minorities,” the letter said.
In another letter to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the decision of the Centre to ban cattle trade had been taken without consulting the States and so was against the federal nature of the country. This was a move to ban beef in the country and a move to encroach upon the right of persons to eat food. The decision would impact thousands of people working in the field of agriculture, the letter said.
CPI State secretary Kanam Rajendran too demanded repeal of the Centre’s order.
