The Karnataka government has directed the authorities concerned to ensure that cows are not slaughtered in the state on Bakrid which falls on Saturday.
No cow, calf, ox, buffalo, or camel can be killed during the festival, it said.
To ensure its implementation, helplines and task forces have been set up to monitor and lodge FIRs if needed.
Through these helplines, people can complain about instances of violations, including the transportation of cows. Bakrid celebrations will begin on Saturday and culminate on Sunday evening.
Posters are being released on the government’s official social media handles warning people against it.
The government has also formed a task force to strictly implement the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020 which is popularly known as the Anti-Cow Slaughter Act.
A task force has been forced to keep vigil to prevent cow slaughter in the capital city Bengaluru. BJP state unit on its social media handle claims: “BJP does not approve of appeasement politics. It is a party which preserves culture and practices nationalism.”
“Protection of the culture of the land, faith is the main objective of the party. Along these lines, the government has undertaken many more measures to protect cows. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has strictly ordered the prohibition of cow slaughter during Bakrid. This is a commitment to ensure the welfare of the majority,” it states.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Prabhu B. Chouhan has already given a call not to sacrifice cows during the celebration of the Bakrid festival. He had also directed the officials to initiate action to ensure the prevention of the slaughter of cows in the state.
The authorities must keep a hawk’s eye on the illegal transportation of cows and on those who smuggle beef from neighboring states. He has also asked the general public to be alert and give information.
The new act enacted by the ruling BJP stipulates 3 to 7 years of imprisonment for cow slaughter and makes all offenses under the act cognizable.
It further specifies that people exercising powers under this are deemed public servants and states that no suit, prosecution, or other legal proceedings shall be instituted against the competent authority or any person exercising powers under the act.
However, though BJP has made elaborate arrangements to prevent cow slaughter in the state during Bakrid, authorities fear the action in this regard would trigger a law and order situation in the state.— IANS