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

DIMAPUR — The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has expressed concern over the announced ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra’ scheduled for September 28 in Kohima, calling on organisers to reconsider the event.

The yatra aims to promote a ban on cow slaughter, a contentious issue in Nagaland, where beef consumption is prevalent.

In a press statement on Monday, the NDPP emphasised its commitment to secularism and the Indian Constitution while highlighting its duty to protect the rights and sentiments of Nagaland’s people as a regional party.

Also read: Nagaland MLA Nienu condemns cow slaughter ban programme, calls out ‘hypocrisy’ of Gau Rakshaks

The party reminded the public that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the state government had chosen not to implement the ‘Ban on Cow Slaughter Act 2019’ based on Article 371A of the Constitution which safeguards the “religious and social practices” of Nagas.

“Today, while the decision of the NLA and the Government still stands, a programme organised to promote the ban on cow slaughter may hurt the sentiments of the Naga people and may also affect the socio-religious harmony prevailing in the State,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the party underscored the importance of mutual respect for diverse social and religious beliefs within India.

“The NDPP respects the social and religious beliefs of each and every citizen of this diverse nation we belong to, and the NDPP also expects that the religious and social practices of the Naga people must also be similarly respected by others,” it said.

It pointed out that the freedom enjoyed by states to enact laws according to their needs has led several north-eastern states, along with Kerala and West Bengal, to opt out of the 2019 cow slaughter ban.

“In such a scenario, to organise such an event as announced would go against the sentiments of the majority of the people of the state and will also be undermining the powers conferred upon the state legislature and the state government by the Constitution of India”, it maintained.

In light of these concerns, the NDPP has urged the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra organisers to reconsider their holding of the programme in Nagaland. The party also called upon the Nagaland government to intervene swiftly to ensure the preservation of socio-religious harmony and brotherhood within the state.