UP POLICE TO INVOKE NSA, GANGSTER ACT IN COW SMUGGLING

LUCKNOW: Cow slaughter and cattle smuggling in Uttar Pradesh will invite action under the stringent Security Act (NSA) and Gangster Act, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday, giving police the power to detain people for a year.

The directive to invoke the acts was issued by director general of police Sulkhan Singh on Monday, officials said.

“The decision to slap NSA and Gangster Act against cattle smugglers and cow slaughter was taken in the general interest of the state and the people,” Adityanath said.

“During assembly elections people demanded ban on cow slaughter and cattle smuggling. It was also one of the election promises of the BJP. The state government will not allow anyone to take liberties with the laws,” he said.

Since sweeping to power in March, the BJP government led by the priest-turned-politician has launched what it says is a crackdown on illegal slaughter houses and cattle smuggling.

Critics say the government’s move was aimed at targeting the Muslim and Dalit communities which are mainly involved in cattle trade.

The UP government directive came days after the Centre issued a controversial rule that outlawed sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets and triggered a political storm in India. The Madras high court later ordered a four-week stay on the notification.