According to a recent directive by Naharlagun’s executive magistrate, all the restaurants and eateries are required to remove the term “beef” from their signboards.
Recently, Naharlagun, a sub-division in Arunachal Pradesh made its way to the news headlines. An order has been issued by the executive magistrate, stating all the eateries must take the term “beef” off their signboards positively by July 18. Revocation of license along with a fine of Rs. 2000 will be imposed on those who fail to abide by the new rule.
In the northeast, beef is consumed by the majority and the issue of the order created buzz and many people took to Twitter to express their outrage.
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Explaining the rationale behind the decision Tamo Dada, Executive Magistrate said “the ban was made in response to the verbal complaints that said the term beef upset minorities that don’t eat red meat, including Hindus.”
However, it must be noted here that the consumption of beef is fully legal in the sub-division as well as the state and there’s no ban on the purchase or eating of beef, the local authorities clarified.
The order that soon became viral said the administration believes in the secular nature of the constitution and fully abides by it but open displays of such words that offend a particular section of society and may create friction between diverse groups. Therefore, so as to maintain peace in the community and to continue the spirit of secularism and brotherhood between the community all the restaurants and hotels are directed to remove the word from their signboards.
Hindus refrain from eating beef because they believe it is against their religion and they view cows as precious symbols of life that should be revered and preserved. Even though many hotels and restaurants offer meat, they don’t openly display “beef” signboards anywhere in the nation- clarified Tamo Dada.
