Harassed by unrelenting cow vigilantism, Goa meat-traders go on strike
Goa Meat Traders Association, the state's umbrella meat-supplying body, would be on an indefinite strike starting yesterday. The group is protesting against the "rising cases" of vigilantism "in the name of beef", reported the Indian Express. Since it is winter, the peak tourist season in Goa, the strike is expected to adversely hit meat availability across the state. Read on for more.
What do vigilantes do?
Men claiming to be from NGOs and animal welfare boards reportedly stop meat-carrying trucks at check-posts. Saying that the trucks have beef, they raid the vehicles - take photographs of the meat and destroy it with washing detergents and phenyl. Since traders can't slaughter cattle in Goa, they import meat from Karnataka. However, they say they don't trade in cow meat.
Despite complaints, no government action yet
The traders have been trying to meet government officials for the last two weeks but without much success. They have approached the government previously, backed with paperwork, but no action has been taken yet. The strike is likely to continue till the state government or Goa's animal husbandry provides discusses the issue with them and offers redressal.
15 ton meat supplied everyday
According to the Indian Express, the network supplies about 15 ton meat daily across Goa's tourist belt, hotels and for household consumption. The association's 70 traders make meat available to the state's retail houses.
