SoP soon for implementation of provisions of Assam Cattle Preservation Act

Guwahati: The Assam government will come up with a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to implement the provision of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021.

The law restricts slaughter of cows and eating of beef within 5 kms radius of temples, namghars (prayer halls) and other religious sites.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said there is an attempt to spread communal hatred and sensitive areas are chosen. There were recent incidents of throwing beef in some Hindu religious places in districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur and Hojai.

“The incidents this year took place just after the Eid-Ul-Zuha. We already have this Assam Cattle Preservation Act 2021. This Act prohibits slaughter of cows and eating of beef within a 5 kms radius of the temples and other religious sites. However, the administration did impose it strictly this time. But now we are going to ensure that the Act is implemented strictly across the state.”

He added all the districts will be sent the SoP for implementation. The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 banned cattle slaughter and sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains and Sikhs are in majority and within a five-km radius of a temple or Satra (Vaishnavite monastery).

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 also regulated the transportation, and slaughter of all cattle, and sale of beef and beef products in the state.

In December last year, the Assam cabinet decided to amend the 2021 act and put a restriction on public consumption of beef also. Accordingly, sale and consumption of beef became prohibited in public places such as restaurants and hotels.