Bengaluru
The controversial anti-cow slaughter bill was passed amid massive uproar in the Karnataka Assembly, with the Congress party’s members staging a protest walkout.
After the bill’s approval, a total ban on the slaughter of cows has been imposed in the state while strict action will be taken against those who indulge in smuggling, illegal transportation, commit atrocities against cows, and slaughter them.
Police have been given additional powers to conduct checks. There is a provision to set up special courts for the speedy trial of person suspected of committing the above-mentioned acts.
Besides cows and calves, the bill also intends to protect buffaloes and their calves — less than 12 years of age.
The law will also protects those who protect this livestock. Twenty out of 28 states in India currently have various laws regulating the activities of slaughtered cows, prohibiting their slaughter or sale.
Indian states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and West Bengal have no restrictions on the slaughter of cows.
Many have expressed concern over the new act.
“Muslims do not drink alcohol. But they have never requested any government to ban alcohol because it is against our religion. We have never requested Christians not to eat pork,” a Bengaluru restaurant owner told NDTV.
“Those animals that have stopped giving milk. Farmers who have buffaloes they cannot sell in the market – what will happen to them?” the restaurant owner asked.—AFP
