In yet another anti-Muslim measure, hotels and restaurants across a subdivision in Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh have been ordered to remove the word ‘beef’ from signboards.
In an order, the executive magistrate of Nahar-lagun sub-division, Tamo Dada has asked all the restaurants and hotels within its limits to remove the signboards by July 18. Naharlagun is about 13 km from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
Dada said a fine of Rs 2,000 will be imposed on the eateries that do not abide by the directive and their trading licence will be cancelled. The sub-division administration added that the decision has been taken based on the so-called secular spirit of the Constitution.
“Such open display of the word ‘beef’ on the signboards of such hotels and restaurants may hurt the sentiments of some sections of the community, and may create animosity between different groups”, Dada wrote.
Panjang Aboh, a local resident, in a media inter-view, said that the move was the first step towards imposing a ban on consumption of beef. “If not opposed now, it will be difficult for the non-Hindu communities even to live…This needs to be opposed at any cost,” he added.
Another local, Tasso Chobin Tada, said that the decision was kind of a trial to gauge the reaction of the residents. —INP
