Assam government imposes statewide beef ban in public spaces and restaurants

Serving and consumption of beef banned in Assam

The Assam government announced a statewide ban on the serving and consumption of beef in public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and public functions, effective immediately.

The decision, revealed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, follows amendments to existing laws regarding beef consumption that were approved during a state cabinet meeting.

“In Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel, nor will it be allowed in any public function or public place. Earlier, our decision was to stop eating beef near temples, but now we have expanded it to the entire state. You will not be able to eat it in any community or public space, hotel, or restaurant,” CM Sarma stated during his address.

The move expands on a previous policy aimed at limiting beef consumption near religious sites, now encompassing the entire state, effectively prohibiting it in all public areas.

Following the announcement, Assam minister Pijush Hazarika retweeted the Chief Minister’s statement and issued a challenge to the opposition Congress party. “I challenge Assam Congress to welcome the beef ban or go and settle in Pakistan,” he said, stirring further political debate.

The decision comes after CM Sarma had hinted at such a ban during a media interaction on Sunday. Sarma mentioned that he was open to implementing the restriction if the Congress party submitted a formal written request.

This statement followed accusations from Congress leaders, including Rakibul Hussain, who claimed the BJP had been distributing beef to win votes in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency during recent bypolls.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Assam government imposes statewide beef ban in public spaces and restaurants appeared first on PGurus.