Shillong, Dec 11: National People’s Party (NPP) leader and Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has suggested the establishment of high-end hotels along the Assam-Meghalaya border to cater to beef lovers affected by the Assam government’s ban on beef consumption.
Talking to Mediapersons, the NPP leader said, “Since the Assam government is banning killing and eating of beef, one way it’s good for Meghalaya. Business people should set up five-star, six-star, seven-star hotels in Byrnihat, Khanapara, and Paikan along the Assam-Meghalaya border. These hotels should serve good beef curry so that people from Assam could come to Meghalaya, eat beef nicely, and go back to Assam.”
He further emphasized the cultural importance of beef in Meghalaya, especially among tribal communities.
“Garo people and many other tribal communities don’t bury our loved ones without killing a beef. We don’t celebrate our festivals without killing a beef, and we don’t have ceremonial programs without beef. Not eating beef also hurts the sentiments of somebody,” Sangma remarked, highlighting how the Assam government’s decision could impact tribal traditions and practices.
A political controversy has arisen over Assam’s ban on public beef consumption, with Sangma advocating for the promotion of beef-friendly establishments along the border.