By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Bangalore: Ignoring the agitation from several Muslim, Dalit and other Minorities organizations and protest by opposition parties of the state, Karnataka government led by BJP passed the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010 which tramples upon the traditional food habits of people and reflects an attempt to impose Hindutva agenda in a democratic country.
The Bill, which effectively bans beef in Karnataka was passed March 19th when the bill got passage through voice-vote in the State Assembly despite all opposition parties including Congress and Janata Dal (S) strongly opposing it and shouted anti-government slogans in the house.
Karnataka had earlier an act called Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act. That act though prohibited cow slaughter but one could do that with the condition of getting certificate from the competent authority which allowed slaughter of cow that was over 12 year old or had permanent physical problem and useless for the owners. However, under that act people could eat and use the beef freely after obtaining it from legal places.
But this existing law was not enough for the Sangh Privar and the BJP and they brought a new law called Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010. This law not only bans slaughter of cattle, purchase, sale and disposal of cattle for slaughter but also prohibits usage and possession of beef which means a complete ban on beef eating. In this new law the word cow has been deleted which indicates that there is no difference between cow and ox in this regard and the same punishment is applicable for both. This means one can not sell his cow which is no longer gives milk or ox which is past its prime age.
Surprisingly, as per the act if seller or buyer is busy in deal and suspected by government officers that the cattle shall be slaughtered they will be deemed as committing crime. It gives unwanted power to the officers.
Anyone is found guilty of violating the new act is punishable with imprisonment for minimum one year and maximum seven years or fine with Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh or both.
Popular Front of India (PFI) which has been in front row of opposing the bill has strongly condemned this action of state BJP government and termed it anti-people and against spirit of democracy.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Karnataka PFI president Mr. Ilyas Mohammad said: “We are opposing this bill because it snatches the right of food habits of a large number of people and anti-people as it will leave unemployed many Muslims who have been connected with the sale of beef and purchase and sale of cow and will badly affect those who have been involved in processing other things such as bones, hide etc. and also those who have been earning livelihood through fabricating and repairing products of leather.”
He also said instead of solving the problems faced by people in the state with such law government is creating more problem for the people.
Asked about others who opposing the bill he said: “We have been protesting against this Bill for long time and many organizations are with us. Last month we organized a state level protest rally in association with Karnataka Beef Merchants Association and Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike and which was backed by Tipu United Front, Stephens Square Merchants Association, Social Democratic Party of India, Praja Vimochana Chaluvali, Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti and Samatha Sainik Dal. But unfortunately BJP government ignored people sentiment and got the Bill passed.”
“The clause 14 of the Bill opens the door for misuse of it as it says that if anyone is found abetting any offence punishable under the act or attempts to commit the same also will get punishment. But there is no explanation that what is exactly meant by abetment which is very dangerous and many innocents may be target under this clause.” He added.
Asked about the next step he said: “PFI is raising voice against the Bill and will try to unite the like-minded organizations and groups as well as secular parties to put pressure on state government to revoke the controversial Bill.”
It is notable here that beef is not only eaten by Muslims but also Dalits, Christians, Tribals and many others prefer it as cheap way of consuming protein.