DC Kohima bans proposed cow protection rally

KOHIMA — Following Nagaland Cabinet decision to prohibit the ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra’, which aims to promote a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, in the state capital, the Kohima district administration has now issued an order forbidding the yatra, originally proposed to be held on September 28 in Kohima.

In an order issued on September 24, the deputy commissioner of Kohima Kumar Ramnikant stated that the yatra would not be allowed under Kohima district “on account of apprehension of disturbance of public order and in view of the provisions contained in para (1) (a) (i) of Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.”

Meanwhile, cow activist, Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati, who was expected to arrive at Kohima on September 27 and install the cow flag, expressed disappointment at the state government’s decision to ban the yatra.

Also read: CBCC and others oppose ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra’ on September 28

Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra may hurt sentiments in Nagaland — NDPP

According to reports, he voiced his disappointment during a cow protection march in Sikkim. “I have not spoken ill of anyone. All I ask is the opportunity to travel and share my message with the people. Why should I be stopped? The Nagaland government held a Cabinet meeting and decided that I cannot enter. Why should I be stopped? I am not here to spread hate. I am here to share love and wisdom. I want to speak to the people about the sacredness of cows, and they must listen,” he was quoted as saying.

He urged the chief ministers of all north-eastern states not to obstruct his yatra.

The announcement of the cow rally ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra’ to reach Kohima was met with opposition from various organisations and individuals because people of the state traditionally consume beef as part of their cultural and religious practices.

The special provision for the state of Nagaland—Article 371 (A), the para (1) (a) (i) of the Indian Constitution—cited in the DC’s order states that no Act of Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas will apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland decides by a resolution.