Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a complete ban on the serving and consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants, and public places across the state. The decision, which follows a Cabinet meeting, amends the existing law on beef consumption to include these new provisions.
Addressing the media, Sarma stated, “In Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel, and it will not be served in any public function or public place. From today, we have completely stopped the consumption of beef in these areas.”
Previously, there was a restriction on beef consumption within a 5 km radius of temples. However, this new directive expands the ban to cover the entire state, ensuring that beef is not served in any community or public spaces, including hotels and restaurants.
The announcement comes amidst controversy involving the Congress party, after Sarma responded to allegations that the BJP distributed beef to win elections in the Muslim-majority area of Samaguri. The Chief Minister had previously challenged Congress to write to him seeking a ban on beef, even suggesting that he would impose the ban if state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah formally requested it.
“Amidst the sadness of losing Samaguri, Rakibul Hussain said one good thing that eating beef is wrong, isn’t it? He said it was wrong for Congress-BJP to win elections by offering beef to voters,” Sarma remarked in response to the controversy.
While the consumption of beef is not illegal in Assam, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 already prohibits cattle slaughter and the sale of beef in areas with a Hindu, Jain, or Sikh majority, and within a 5 km radius of temples or satras. The new directive extends this ban to all public places across the state.