CHENNAI: The new set of rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act regarding sale of cattle – bulls, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and camels – for slaughter across the country has evoked strong protests from various political parties as well as farmers associations and they all in a united voice, have urged the Centre to withdraw the notification immediately.
PMK founder S Ramadoss said the new set of rules, framed without understanding the reality, would affect the interests of farmers. “Rearing cattle and selling them when in need is part of agriculture and pastoral communities have been engaged in rearing bulls and cows as a full time profession. Further, prevention of slaughter of cattle would affect the natural balance and hence the Centre should withdraw it immediately,” he said.
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said the Modi government, having failed to show any interest in creating new employment and encouraging industrial growth, was desperate on dividing people.
Farmers’ leader P Ayyakkannu said, “When we are drowned in the drought, how can we safeguard the cows and buffaloes ?”
Terming the new rules as impractical, MDMK general secretary Vaiko said, “These restrictions show the Centre’s real intention. This reflect the true objective of Hindutva forces.”
DK leader K Veeramani said beef has been a food item for Muslims, Christians and a section of Hindus, sportspersons, defence personnel and others for a long time.
Tamil Desiya Periyakkam’s president P Maniarasan said the current notification was nothing but an extension of ‘varnasrama dharma’. According to him the new rules would ruin rural agrarian economy and pave way for multinational companies to sell meat as packaged food.
The minorities welfare committee affiliated to the CPM said the notification issued just a day ahead of the beginning of Ramzan month had ulterior motives.