Beef might have a big economy, but it is time to look for alternatives: Assam CM

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that in arresting illegal cattle trade the BJP led government is implementing the manifesto of BJP, which it has proposed prior to Assam polls this year and people have voted BJP government on party’s plans and policies.Replying to a debate on an amendment moved by the opposition parties on the Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the state assembly, the chief minister said that beef might have a big economy but it is time to move to a new alternative.The proposed bill was passed by the assembly and amended certain provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 with a view to removing certain existing restrictions with the aim of facilitating the utilization of cattle for animal husbandry and agricultural purposes. Among the amendments, one is that the appropriate court on being approached by the police officer, having the authority of seizure, may make such an order for sale the seized vehicle/conveyance, including boat, vessel etc., except cattle, through public auction.

It has been four months since Assam passed the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 which regulated the slaughter, consumption and transportation of cattle in the state. Sarma said, “Vehicles are burnt along Shrirampur by smugglers. After seizing the cattle, the police have to bring it to the police station. Under the new provision the owners of the vehicle have to realize that if they are doing illegal activity their vehicles will be seized and vehicles will be sold.”He added, “Cattle comes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and we need to show that we are a tough state. We are against the illegal cattle trade and we have stated the same in our manifesto and people have voted for us as per our programmes and policies and our amendments are towards that end.” He added, “Gujarat produces 1.5 crore litre of milk every day while Karnataka produces 60,000 lakh litre. It has become a perception that we can earn by killing cows.”He added, “The perception has to change for violence in any form is not good. Together with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), we are targeting to produce 10 lakh litres of milk every day in Assam with an investment of Rs 1,400 crore. Next year’s budget will spell out the framework of these projects.”Sarma argued that beef might have a big economy however we cannot allow cruelty towards animals and we have to move to alternatives. “We are not communal and there is no political vendetta in this and let me assure you no one’s livelihood will be affected.”The chief minister added these cattle are procured from illegal sources and the state government can restrict it. “If the law is challenged in the Supreme court let it be so. The court will do its work. However, we should not stop from making law just because the same will be challenged.”