Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has expressed dismay after the Nagaland government denied permission to hold the proposed “Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra,” in Kohima on September 28, aimed at promoting a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.
Despite the ban, Swami Avimukteshwaranand is likely to arrive in Nagaland on September 26. According to reports, during his address at Thakurbari Mandir in Gangtok, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said: “I have not spoken ill of anyone. All I ask is the opportunity to travel and share my message with the people. Why should I be stopped? I am here to spread love and wisdom, not hate.” He expressed his frustration, saying, “If I am not allowed to speak about the sanctity of cows, then shoot me.”
He appealed to the chief ministers of the North Eastern states not to obstruct his Yatra, emphasizing that he was sharing the message of Sanatan Dharma, which he said is integral to India’s democratic fabric.
Condemning the sale and consumption of cow meat, he called the practice against cultural values, urging for the continuation of the Gau Pratishtha Andolan, a movement to protect and honor the sanctity of cows.
The state cabinet on September 11 decided not to grant permission to hold ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ in Kohima on September 28. The Cabinet highlighted the protection given under Article 371A of the Constitution on the religious and social practices of the Nagas as well as the Naga customary law and procedure, minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The cabinet was apprised of the opposition voiced by various organisations and political parties in the state. “The Cabinet did not grant permission to hold the programme in the interest of maintenance of public order,” John said.
DC Kohima bars Yatra
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant has prohibited the Gau Dwaj Yatra, a movement promoting a ban on cow slaughter. In an order dated September 24, DC said that the Yatra would not be permitted within the district, on account of apprehensions that the event could disrupt public order.
This decision follows directives from the State Government, based on the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, specifically para (1)(a)(i), which grants special provisions to Nagaland, the order stated.