THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 14 August 2003 — Members of the Kerala legislative assembly yesterday protested the federal government’s move to enact a law for a nationwide ban on slaughtering cows. Being the largest consumer of beef in India, Kerala fears severe social and economic problems once the ban comes into effect.
“Such a law would have far-reaching consequences, especially in Kerala, where most of the people eat beef,” Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman said. Seventy to 80 percent of people in Kerala eat beef.
Chief Minister A.K. Antony said Kerala would inform the federal government about its position when it seeks the state’s response to the proposed legislation. “Enforcing a cow slaughter ban would hit thousands of families engaged in the meat trade,” Antony said.
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the deputy leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist in the Assembly, asked the assembly to adopt unanimous legislation against the ban.
