THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA
Ahead of Eid celebration this week, the Goa Meat Complex (GMC) has issued an NOC to erect a pandal and other facilities for the slaughter of cattle.
However, Govansh Raksha Abhiyan (GRA) has alleged that GMC has violated the directives of the High Court on many issues.
Speaking to 'The Goan', GRA President, Hanumant Parab, said that they have condemned the act of erecting a pandal in the GMC premises for the cause.
“The government had assured to help to buy fodder for stray cattle, which are in our farm. But it has failed to keep up to its word, while on the other hand, it has funds to erect a pandal and to slaughter cattle,” complained Parab.
According to Parab, GMC has erected the pandal on the demand of minorities.
Referring to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, which bans slaughter of bullocks and bulls, GRA has also demanded that a ban be placed on the slaughter of bullocks and bulls by the Goa government.
“Do you think these people will get blessings from god by slaughtering bulls, which indeed disturbs our sentiments? We are demanding the ban on bullocks and bulls as well,” Parab said.
He also said that one of their representatives would remain present at the complex during ante-mortem process.
When contacted, GMC Chairman Lyndon Monteiro told 'The Goan' that GMC had not violated any of directives of the court and rejected all allegations levelled by Parab.
“The GMC has only given the NOC for the pandal and the expenditure is to be borne by the Muslim association. They have started to bring the cattle only from Tuesday,” he said.
“Animal slaughter will take place on September 25, 26 and 27. Ante-mortem of cattle takes place 24 hours prior to slaughtering. So, how can we keep the cattle in the scorching sun since Tuesday?” asked Monteiro.
According to Monteiro, cattle are taken to slaughter only after the process of ante-mortem takes place.
“As per court directions, we have installed CCTV cameras, covering the entire area of ante-mortem process. No where has it been said that these cameras should be also installed at the place where slaughter take place,” Monteiro told.
