Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 5 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a statewide ban on serving and consuming beef in restaurants, hotels, public places, and during public functions.

The decision was taken during a state cabinet meeting, which approved amendments to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 to incorporate the new provisions.

While beef consumption is not illegal in Assam, the existing law regulates the transportation, slaughter, and sale of beef and related products. CM Sarma stated, ‘We had earlier introduced a bill in Assam to protect cows, and we have been successful. Going further, we have decided that beef will not be served in any hotels or restaurants in the state. It will also not be served during any public function or in any public place.’

The 2021 Act already prohibits cattle slaughter and the sale of beef in areas with a majority population of Hindus, Jains, or Sikhs, and within a five-kilometre radius of temples and Vaishnavite monasteries (satra). CM Sarma indicated that the curbs will now be extended to additional areas to strengthen the protection measures.

The state government has described the move as part of its broader efforts to preserve communal harmony and cultural sensitivity.

(Inputs from NDTV)