MAPUSA
Despite Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assuring support to beef traders and urging them to reopen their shops, beef vendors in Goa may remain shut on Tuesday, the eve of Christmas, due to a shortage of stock from neighbouring States.
On Monday, beef traders across the State closed their shops in protest against what they described as harassment by cow vigilantes, disrupting the festive preparations of many consumers during the Christmas season.
“We cannot open our shops if there is no stock. If we receive supplies, we will open, but without beef, it is impossible,” said Shabbir Bepari, Vice President of the Kurushi Meat Traders Association of Goa.
According to Bepari, registered suppliers from neighbouring States are reluctant to send stock to Goa, fearing threats and attacks from vigilante groups stationed at checkpoints such as Ramnagar and Kanapur.
“The Bajrang Dal activists have positioned themselves at the checkposts, intimidating drivers and creating fear of violence. Our suppliers are unwilling to take the risk of transporting beef,” he explained.
Adding to the challenge, the government-run Goa Meat Complex (GMC), which supplies beef to local traders, reportedly has no stock at present.
Earlier in the day, representatives of the Kurushi Meat Traders Association, including President Manna Bepari, met with MLAs from both ruling and opposition parties, seeking intervention to resolve the crisis.
Bepari emphasized that their trade has been ongoing since the Portuguese era and alleged that the current level of harassment from vigilante groups is unprecedented.
“These groups come in mobs to intimidate, provoke and sometimes attack us. If they have issues with our business, they should approach the police instead of resorting to violence,” he said.
The association has demanded that the government take immediate steps to ensure the safety of their trade.
Bepari highlighted the vigilante groups' intent to disrupt the supply of beef in Goa, calling for protection and the cessation of harassment.
A resident of Mapusa, Joseph Jacques criticized the government for allegedly enabling vigilante groups, leading to the current crisis.
“The lack of beef supply during Christmas is extremely frustrating. Who gave these vigilantes the authority to attack traders? Such incidents have no place in Goa, which has always been a peaceful State,” Jacques said.
As of now, the uncertainty over the resumption of beef supplies has left traders and consumers in a difficult position, with the festive season in full swing.
