Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA and NPF Legislature Party Leader, BJP legislator and adviser IPR & Soil Conservation Imkong L. Imchen and the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) have strongly objected to the proposed ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ in Kohima on September 28, 2024 by a Hindu organization aimed at banning cow slaughter.
It was reported that Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Maharaj of Jyotirmath is scheduled to arrive Kohima on September 27 to preside over the installation of ‘Gau Dhwaj’ or cow slaughter-free and deliver an address at the Gau Mahasabha on September 28 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), before proceeding towards Imphal.
Expressing shock over the proposed programme, Azo vehemently condemned and objected to such kind of imposition on citizens, which he described was “tantamount to infringement of freedom of individual rights to choice of food.”
Reiterating his commitment to condemn imposition of food choice in Nagaland, the NPF leader recalled the “beef festival protest” conducted in Kohima by NPF cadres in July 2017, which highlighted the local resistance to any imposition on food preferences. Azo Neinu also sought to highlight the hypocrisy of the so-called Gau Rakshaks in the mainland states and asked them to first clean up their home states.
He pointed out that several of the country’s largest beef exporters are Hindu businessmen. Neinu also expressed solidarity with the Arunachal Students’ Union, which has similarly opposed attempts to regulate food habits in the Northeast.
Imchen: Adviser IPR and Soil Conservation Imkong L. Imchen, while expressing ignorance about the proposed programme of the Shankaracharya on September 28 at Kohima described it as being “directly against the BJP in Nagaland”. Imchen maintained that for Nagas, whatever party affiliation, beef “is the most delicious food item and shall continue even in future”. He said beef is a nutritious food and which doctors also advise Nagas to eat beef at every meal. He therefore advised the Shankaracharya not to raise the issue in Nagaland.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), which is in alliance of the BJP under NDA at the Centre, has expressed concerns about the planned ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ on Sept. 28, 2024, in Kohima, which aims to promote the ban on cow slaughter.
NDPP through its media and communication committee reiterated its secular and democratic credentials while emphasising its commitment to protecting the rights and sentiments of the Naga people, as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Citing Article 371A, which safeguards the religious and social practices of the Nagas, the NDPP noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the state government have chosen not to implement the “Ban on Cow Slaughter Act, 2019.” The NDPP expressed concern that the proposed Yatra could disrupt the socio-religious harmony in the state and urged organizers to reconsider their plans.
The party also called on the ruling coalition PDA comprising of NDPP and BJP to intervene, stating that holding such an event would undermine the powers granted to the state by the Constitution, and may hurt the sentiments of the majority of Nagaland’s population.
The NDPP also reaffirmed its respect for all religious practices and expects the same consideration for Naga customs and beliefs.