Mukul counters ‘beef ban’ with ‘beef tourism’

WILLIAMNAGAR: The Centre’s ordinance on regulation of cattle markets that has led to widespread opposition across the country over fears of a possible ‘beef ban’ has resonated in Garo Hills as well with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma joining the opposition chorus and suggesting ‘beef tourism’.
Addressing a gathering at the launch of the State Government’s flagship programme LIFE at Songsak on Tuesday, the chief minister accused the BJP government at the Centre of framing rules for cattle trade that would harm the crucial food industry and disrupt the supply chain.
Sangma was of the view that a form of beef tourism could be encouraged so that customers from outside can savour local delicacies of beef and other items of Garo Hills.
He claimed that a mapping of the cattle trading zone reveals a total disruption of its sale that would impact food habits of the majority tribals in the state.
The chief minister said the Centre’s decision to prevent cattle trade 50 km from the international border as well as 25 km from the inter-state border would leave a shrinking space for cattle farmers.
“Only a limited and small area around Rongjeng forests will be available throughout Garo Hills if we were to adhere to the cattle laws,” chided Sangma.
He said that the ban on cow slaughter should be an eye opener for everyone and cattle rearing on a large scale by local population would lead to sustenance and overcome shrinking imports.