Editor,
Beef is not just beef; it is an important part of the rituals in the tribal society of Arunachal Pradesh. People might have forgotten how the cow chaos in Arunachal Pradesh began. If Arunachalis recall the genesis of this chaos, they cannot forget that on July 13, 2022, the executive magistrate of Naharlagun issued an order (under Section 144 CrPC) directing all restaurants and hotels displaying “BEEF” on their signboards to remove such wording in order to maintain peace in the community and uphold the spirit of secularism. The order also stated, “Failing which a fine of ?2000 and cancellation of such trading licenses will be initiated.” Following the circulation of this order, the majority of hotels and restaurants that had “BEEF” on their signboards were perplexed and began to remove it. They were in a dilemma because, in Arunachal Pradesh, beef is considered one of the most delicious meats and has the potential to attract customers. If the signboards were removed, it would drastically affect their business.
The executive order had such a significant impact that it was felt not only within the jurisdiction of the Itanagar Capital Region but also in other districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of people in Arunachal are tribal and consume beef. Beef is not only for consumption; the cow is integral to ritual practices. In this tribal state, shamanism is prevalent, involving invoking spirits for healing and other rituals. The erection of an altar and the sprinkling of sacrificed cow blood over the altar are crucial processes in shamanism. If beef is forcibly banned, it will greatly affect these ritual practices.
In response to the order issued by the executive magistrate of Naharlagun, there was widespread condemnation from various tribes in Arunachal. Sensing public sentiment and opposition, the executive magistrate had to revoke the order.
A second chaotic chapter unfolded in the Itanagar Capital Region when the committee members of Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Yatra held a press conference on September 8, 2024, at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) in Itanagar. In the conference, the committee members stated their intention to make India free from cow slaughtering by honoring the cow as the Mother of the Nation (Rashtra Mata). Mukunundanad asserted, “They have no intention of hurting the sentiments of other religious groups by conducting the awareness campaign.” Following the press briefing, there was a strong reaction from the people of Arunachal. Tribal communities expressed their resentment and questioned the Arunachal Press Club for providing a platform to the committee, fearing it would lead to law and order issues in the Capital Region. On various social media platforms, many tribal individuals mocked and condemned the committee, asking who they were to dictate what others should eat.
Arunachali tribal people strongly opposed the visit of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarnand Saraswati Maharaja, scheduled for September 27, 2024, in Itanagar. Various student organizations, including the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), Arunachal Indigenous Students’ Union (AISU) and Save Arunachal Save Indigenous (SASI), wrote a letter to the Minister of Home, Indigenous Affairs, PHE & WS, and the Deputy Commissioner of Itanagar Capital Complex, urging them not to permit the Cow Sthapana Yatra (rally) in the Itanagar region. The AISU conveyed a clear message that in a tribal society, the cow holds a significant position in food festivals and that priests have historically slaughtered cows for rituals. They viewed the cow yatra as an attempt to impose Hindu practices forcibly and feared it would undermine their own rituals, beliefs and faith.
AAPSU leader Byabang Hapu Dui asserted, “We have neither intervened in the food habits of any religion nor will we endure any religion imposing changes to our food habits.”
One cannot forget the audacity of Jagadguru Shankaracharya, who attempted to arrive in Itanagar despite facing widespread opposition. Upon confirmation of his arrival, AAPSU issued another press statement expressing strong resentment. On September 26, 2024, Jagadguru arrived at Hollongi Airport in the morning by charter plane. He was compelled to remain restricted inside Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi, as any movement outside could have led to law and order problems. Unable to hold a rally, he installed a cow flag at the airport as a demand for laws to recognize the cow as the Mother of the Nation and to prohibit cow slaughter nationwide.
So, the question remains: will the beef chaos end here, or is it just the beginning in Arunachal Pradesh? The proposal of a bill to ban cow slaughter and elevate the cow’s status as the Mother of the Nation (Rashtra Mata) is not a new topic in India. It is a topic that has been debated and discussed but has never reached a consensus. Believers who consider the cow sacred are persistently appealing to the government to pass the “Ban on Cow Slaughtering Bill, 2019,” which states that no person shall slaughter or cause the slaughter of a cow in any place, even if customary practices demand it. Those who contravene this provision may face imprisonment for up to ten years and fines of ?100,000 or both.
If this bill is passed, tribal people in Arunachal will be compelled to abandon their ritual practices and may feel pressured to convert to other religions. It can be deduced that if the “Ban on Cow Slaughtering Bill, 2019” is adopted and enacted, it will severely hamper the faith and beliefs of tribal people in Arunachal, undermining cultural practices that have been followed for generations. This would not only hinder ritual practices but also threaten the livelihoods of tribal locals engaged in butchering and selling beef. This situation raises questions about the right to profession guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
Proponents claim that the prohibition of cow slaughter is enshrined in Article 48 of the Directive Principles of State Policy. However, it is important to remember the Champakan Dorairajan Case (1951), in which the Supreme Court ruled that in cases of conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Fundamental Rights will prevail. Additionally, the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the prohibition of cow slaughter made it clear that such matters should be decided by state legislatures. Arunachal is a state with a weak opposition and is heavily reliant on central financial aid, leading legislators to align closely with the directives of the central government. While loyalty to political parties for the sake of development is commendable, it should not come at the expense of the sentiments of their constituents.
Was the inscription of “HINDI CAPITAL OF NORTH EAST” on a banner by the Itanagar Municipal Corporation on April 17, 2022, a move to appease higher-ups in the party?
Jumge Pale
Managing Director, Arunachal Informer