Assam bans eating beef in public

Assam, a northeastern Indian state, has implemented a ban on beef consumption in public places, including restaurants and events. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on Wednesday (December 4).

However, the meat can still be purchased from shops and eaten within homes or private establishments in the state.

According to reports, the state cabinet has decided to amend the existing law to impose a ban on beef consumption. While consuming beef is not illegal in Assam, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act 2021 governs the slaughter, sale, and transportation of livestock and beef products.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarm stated, "In 2021, we passed a bill in the state assembly to protect cows, and we were successful. Now, we have decided that no hotel or restaurant in the state can serve beef. It will also be prohibited at public events or public places."

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021, which prohibits the slaughter of livestock and sale of beef within five kilometers of religious places for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, such as temples, has been enforced. The Chief Minister stated that the scope of the law will now be extended beyond the current five-kilometer radius around temples.

Those who violate the law will face penalties, including imprisonment for three to eight years and fines between 300,000 and 500,000 rupees.