Thursday, April 9, 2015

The Anti Beef Ban March - Mumbai

It will be a peaceful march but a strong protest in the heart of Mumbai against the harsh, sadistic, illogical and unconstitutional Beef Ban implemented by the states of Mumbai and Haryana. The patriotic and secular stakeholders of the action-packed 'Indians in Pakistan' Novel feel that the BJP governments in these states do not have the mandate to enforce such a stringent and outrageous legislation that deprives millions of Indian citizens of their right to choose what to eat, of their right to livelihood as beef traders or vendors of leather products, and of their right to possess beef for whatever reason they deem fit.

We respect the religious sentiments involved in the slaughter of the COW and many of us may agree with state laws banning their (cow) slaughter, but still feel it preposterous to include bulls and bullocks in the definition of the cow for purposes of this act. By fast tracking these legislations within a few months of assuming power, and that too without proper consultation with the citizens, we feel that the two state governments have blatantly targeted various sections of the minorities who are known for their beef eating habits as well as for their active role in the beef and leather trade.

The Beef Ban is well aligned with the repressive agenda of the Maharashtra State Government which includes the unfair persecution of the participants and organizers of the 'vulgar' AIB Roast, threats against the popular movie 'PK' and the vindictive cancellation of the Jerry Seinfeld Show in Mumbai due to lack of parking space!

The Consequence of not protesting is too great! Today the Maharashtra Government told the high court that the slaughter of other animal species may be banned too in the near future. The Non Veg way of life is under threat in Mumbai and the Rest of Maharashtra. Those who are found in possession of Beef in Haryana now face manslaughter. Violation of this act in both states is a non-bailable offense with a long jail term. Other disadvantages include the loss of livelihood, spiraling prices of non veg food items, higher vegetable prices and livestock management woes (for farmers).


The FB link of this event is https://www.facebook.com/events/868301179955240/  Please share this link online and spread the word.

So, put on your marching shoes and let us march unitedly for the sake of millions of beef eaters, beef vendors, leather traders, farmers and every Indian citizen who has been deprived of fundamental human rights. We appeal to the Maharashtra and Haryana Governments to revoke the atrocious beef bans in their respective states at the earliest. We shall meet at 9 am on 1st May (Maharashtra Day) to commence this peaceful protest on the streets of Mumbai. The route is yet to be finalized. Jai Maharashtra, Jai Hind!

3 comments :

  1. Here are a few points that must be noted:

    1) Cowslaughter was already banned 4 decades ago, but what we are protesting against is the extension of the ban to bulls and bullocks.
    2) Most of us respect the religious sentiments of Hindus vis-a-vis cow worship; but the bull should not come under this category especially as the Hindi word for bull i.e. bayl is used to abuse people who don't have their own minds. How can it then be claimed that bulls are divine?
    3) The leather Industry would be badly hit in Maharashtra ruining the state economy badly.
    4) Lacs of people employed in the beef trade will face unemployment in Maharashtra
    5) Sexual offenders face lighter jail terms than the 5 year sentence for possession of beef. In Haryana, you will be charged with manslaughter if beef is found in your possession.
    6) Beef is the diet of millions of people in Maharashtra (representing nearly 35% of the population) including a large number of Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Dalits and Tribals (Hindus) - they will all be deprived of the fundamental right of eating the food items of their choice.
    7) Prices of non-veg food items like chicken and mutton have already increased by more than 10%.
    8) Prices of vegetables could increase drastically too as people switch to a vegetarian diet.
    9) Old bulls and bullocks could be let loose on the streets as the farmers would not be able to care for them after they have outlived their utility.
    10) Lacs of these poor farmers will be deprived of a major source of income as they no longer will be able to sell their old cattle to beef traders.
    11) The communal intent of the Maharashtra State Government stood exposed as immediately after the Beef ban was implemented, it moved against job reservations for Muslims in the state.
    12) The Maharashtra and Haryana Governments have exceeded their mandates in banning the possession of meat as the slaughter could have happened in other states in which the act is perfectly legal - The law is called COW SLAUGHTER and not BEEF POSSESSION.
    13) Under the leadership of Narendra Modi of the BJP, India's Annual beef exports are the world’s second-largest with lacs of cows getting legally slaughtered for consumption abroad.

    Isn't it hypocritical of Modi and the BJP to allow COWS to be slaughtered in India for consumption by foreigners but not allow INDIANS to eat the flesh of BULLS and BULLOCKS! This is food for thought - Modi and Fadnavis might soon even ban FOOD for thought as they continue to dish out BULLSHIT!

    ReplyDelete
  2. In western countries like mine, we treat human beings with more importance than we do animals. Never play around with human rights.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We sincerely thank all those who participated in the Anti-beef ban protest march. Certain last minute restrictions did make us change our location & timings a bit. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. Nonetheless, we have put our concerns pointedly at the government and asked them to repeal the beef ban. Many of the participants told us that although they had kept away from beef all their lives, they had come out to support their compatriots as they respected their freedom of choice. They wished the Maharashtra govt to do that....i.e. respect their freedom of choice. Most of us were OK with the Cowslaughter ban imposed in 1976 but what we objected to was the extension of the act to the slaughter of bulls and bullocks. We wanted to show our solidarity with other stakeholders - farmers, beef vendors and leather traders. We were protesting against the decision also as it would adversely affect overall food prices and the Maharashtra state economy. Many of the placards were very creative and we shall share the pics soon..including on Whatsapp.

    ReplyDelete

Post sensibly