IT is surprising that the movement against eating and trading in beef has not shown any signs of easing. Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not said anything against violence done to beef users, he does not seem to support it. But no action has been taken so far. Beef is not banned in the rest of the world including Asian countries. There are of course advocates of vegetarianism abroad but nothing is said specifically against beef eating. There is no medical opinion against it. In India, a large number of people, particularly among Muslims, Christians and Dalits consume beef. Many livelihoods are dependent on cattle trade. The battle against cattle trade hits the dairy economy.
That goes against the benefits of the White Revolution. What is shocking is that cow politics has caused unrest in northern India even leading to murder. And now vigilante groups have been formed causing violence and death. Gujarat has witnessed unprecedented protests by Dalits after seven members of the community were accused of having skinned a dead cow every month. In Madhya Pradesh, two Muslim women were attacked for just carrying beef. What is regrettable is that the vigilante groups are receiving support from the BJP government at the Centre. The Union Minister for Social Justice Thawar Chand Ghelot has defended them in Parliament. He said that these vigilante groups were social organizations and added that there was a law prohibiting cow slaughter. In the first place, there seems to be doubt about the veracity of the rumours. Second, such legislation is ultra-vires of the Constitution. Third, the police are in charge of the enforcement of the law, not vigilantes. Vigilantes called Salwa Judum set up to contain Maoists in Chhattisgarh were banned officially. Why should vigilantes in the anti-beef operation be encouraged? Social organizations can address much more important issues in other matters.
