New Delhi: The Assam government on Wednesday announced a complete ban on the serving and consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels, public functions, and other community spaces across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement, following the approval of amendments to existing laws during a state cabinet meeting.
CM Sarma clarified that the new directive applies to all public and community spaces, saying, “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 restrict beef consumption near temples, but now we have extended this prohibition statewide. You will not be able to consume beef in any community space, public space, hotel, or restaurant.”
I challenge @INCAssam to welcome the #AssamBeefBan or go and settle in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/n4mm0KuNjK
— Pijush Hazarika (@Pijush_hazarika) December 4, 2024
Expansion of a previous decision
The announcement marks an expansion of a previous decision that limited beef consumption near temples. Under the new regulations, the ban covers all public areas, effectively making the consumption of beef illegal in any public gathering or eating establishment.
Following the declaration, Assam minister Pijush Hazarika took to social media, retweeting the chief minister’s statement and challenging the opposition Congress. He remarked, “I challenge Assam Congress to either welcome the beef ban or move to Pakistan.” This comment comes after Congress leaders, including Rakibul Hussain, accused the BJP of distributing beef to garner votes in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency during the recent bypolls.
The chief minister had previously hinted at such a move, indicating his openness to implementing a beef ban if the Congress party formally requested it. This announcement has stirred a political debate, with some supporting the decision as a reflection of Assamese cultural values, while others see it as a move with deeper political implications.
