S. Henlly Phom
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 2
Like all others involved in their various businesses, even dog meat traders are not free from the scourge of taxation. They lament that the so-called ‘tax’ collection affects their business as they have to pay Rs 20 per dog in addition to Rs 10 levied by Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) on daily basis. Nagas are known for their voracious craving for food particularly when it comes to consuming all kinds of meat including that of canines. There is little differentiation between domesticated animals and the wildlife. Almost every item is a delicacy and relished equally by the old and young alike.
A leisurely walk around markets in Dimapur particularly on weekly Wednesday market, palatable creatures of every kind put up on sale are a delightful sight as also for sore eyes. While some items may appear repulsive, others can be inviting for a grab. It is equally true that vendors do brisk business by sale of those creatures to support members of their households.
A common sight to frequent visitors is freshly dressed cut meat laid in basins tugged in wire bunches and surrounded by local Naga women. However, it can prove to be a shocker to an inquisitive perambulator to know that they are dog meat.
One may term it superstitious but Nagas’ love for dog meat is unquestionable. Nagas consume dog meat for the simple reason that it has curative properties for any ailments. Dog meat is served mostly to sick and infirmed persons either in soup or solid state. Others take it as preventive measure to ward off illness while the rest take it simply for delicacy of the meat.
Human consumption of dog meat has been recorded in many parts of the world including China, Vietnam, South Korea and certain parts of India’s other North-Eastern States. Consumption of dog meat for the Nagas is not new for the simple reason that its delicacy has been part of a traditional cuisine.
It is also observed that some non-Naga residents have slowly come to embrace this food habit. It may seem contemptible to other communities who abhor dog meat, but Nagaland is fortunate to exempt itself from the purview against slaughter and consumption of dog meat.
For Paul (name changed), who has been into the trade for over a decade, was rather contented with the proceeds which had helped him tide over through striving of daily life. His wife, who would interfere intermittently during conversation with this Reporter, too has evinced determination to continue with the trade, the only source of their livelihood.Like Paul and his wife, several Naga women dealing with dog meat are placed at a strategic location in Super Market, Dimapur. A string of dog meat weighing over an approximate 250 gm is sold at Rs 100. A simple arithmetic which follows when the same amount is converted into kilogram would cost Rs 400. The price of dog meat per kilogram exceeds that of pork which costs Rs 160 per kg in the market.
According to Paul, the dogs are mostly imported from Niuland in Nagaland and Assam for sale in the market. Paul has to pay money ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1000 per dog depending on the size and weight. However, all is not well dealing in dog meat as it comes in mixed package. At times, vendors have to be contented either with profit or loss depending on the response of the consumers
Comparatively, dog meat is considered exorbitant over other meat, but consumers do not hesitate spending on it. With the increase in price of other commodities, there has been an increase in the price of dog meat as well. Whatsoever, the price tag has not affected the trade.
The traders in dog meat have argued on the logic of running a business when they have to spend so much on taxation without any profit. They said business is run for ‘profit’ and not for ‘loss.’
No matter what the circumstances demand, dog meat will remain one favourite dish for the Nagas even in the days to come.
