Forthcoming Autumn Session of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly beginning October 3 is all set to witness fireworks over the emotive issue of ban on sale of beef. The Opposition party National Conference has already set the ball rolling by pitching in for anti-beef ban Bill in the State Assembly while BJP is set to oppose any such move aimed at diluting the existing law on cow slaughtering and sale of beef in the State.
Senior National Conference legislators Ali Mohd Sagar, Mian Altaf and Mohd Akbar lone submitted the Bill in the State Assembly. The existing law banning sale of beef was in complete violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens under the constitution.
“The State can neither force any person to follow a particular line nor can the Government interfere in anybody’s religion. We have sought amendment to the law for revoking the ban,” NC leaders said.
In response to BJP MlA from Nowshera, Ravinder Raina, on Friday, submitted a resolution to the secretary of the State legislature demanding capital punishment to those found guilty of cow slaughter in the State.
Raina also demanded that the shops selling beef should be sealed and their licences should be cancelled with immediate effect to implement the ban on sale of beef.
“BJP cannot tolerate cow slaughtering in full public view in blatant violation of the High Court order on imposition of ban on sale of beef,” Raina said while releasing the copy of the resolution moved by him in the State Assembly.
Meanwhile, PDP’s silence over the issue of bringing in an ordinance ahead of Eid-ul-Zuha to amend the relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) is seen as a deliberate game plan of the ruling alliance to avoid the confrontation.
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has also appealed to the people of Kashmir valley to restrain themselves over the issue of beef ban as the matter is very sensitive for the whole country.
“I request you not to play by your emotions in such situations that can ruin the situation.” Azad clarified the party would take a stand on the issue of ban on beef on the floor of the State Assembly after consulting other like minded parties like National Conference.