MARGAO
Terming the Central government’s notification banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter as “illegal”, former Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco
demanded that the same be revoked.
He claimed this will adversely affect the farmers and Dalits and weaker sections of the society whose source of livelihood depends on such activity.
Addressing a press conference, Mickky also took a dig at MLAs belonging to the minority community in the Assembly for not raising their voice on this issue. “One-fourth of the total MLAs in the Assembly are of the minority community and are not raising their voice on this issue,” he added.
Stating that India is a country inhabited by citizens of varied caste/ religions/ language living in peace and harmony, Mickky said some forces are raising matters pertaining to religion and caste. “Some are disturbing this peace,” he added.
He said the Centre’s decision to ban the trade of cattle for slaughter at animal markets under the grounds of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Regulation of Livestock Market Rules 2017 has to be revoked.
The former Nuvem MLA also appealed to the State government to inquire about the factual position of this matter, even as he claimed that many members of the minority community consume meat while farmers, Dalits survive on trade of cattle for slaughter. “This decision is against the livelihood of the weaker sections of the society,” he remarked.
He said it is not proper to take a decision which will curtail the eating habits of any community.
