SHILLONG, SEP 27: The Khasi Jaintia Butcher’s Welfare Association (KJBWA) on Friday expressed strong opposition against the proposed holding of the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Shillong.
In a letter to the deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, the KJBWA said, “Therefore, we urge you to deny permission for this rally to uphold our constitutional rights, protect Meghalaya’s peace and communal harmony and ensure the rule of law that safeguards our freedom.”
it said, “As butchers, we provide essential services to our community, respecting the food choices and cultural practices of the people of Meghalaya.
Our profession is lawful and we operate within the bounds of the Indian Constitution.”
“India is a diverse democracy which means: citizens have the right to choose their profession (Article 19(1)(g), cultural diversity is protected (Article 29(1) and freedom of conscience and religion is guaranteed (Article 25). The proposed rally’s aim to impose a ban on cow slaughter will deprive our livelihood, disrupt our cultural identity and violate our freedom of conscience and religion,” it said.
The KJBWA said, “Furthermore, this ban will worsen Meghalaya’s already dire employment situation, where job opportunities are scarce, leading to increase unemployment and economic hardship, negatively impacting the local economy, and compromising the well-being of our families and communities.”
“India is a democracy where the majority’s views should not dictate minority rights, diversity and inclusively must be respected, and constitutional rights must always take precedence over individual ideologies,” it added.