J&K govt unlikely to take decision on beef ban issue
COMMUNAL HARMONY Govt likely to maintain status quo on subject
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government is unlikely to take any decision on the controversial beef ban in the state.
According to a senior leader of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a cabinet minister, who did not want to be named, the government is likely to maintain the status quo on the issue.
“The best thing is keep the law intact but don’t enforce in Muslim-dominant areas in the state. That is the best way communal harmony will be ensured. We don’t want a J&K divide,” the minister said.
The J&K high court on Friday vacated its September 9 order that called for strict enforcement of a ban on bovine slaughter and beef sale in the state, saying it was for the government to consider a review of laws and uphold “secular credentials of the state” and ensure “that no inter-religious conflict takes place”.
The high court bench on Friday also disposed of a PIL that had demanded revocation of the ban imposed under relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code. It, however, asked the state government to consider issues raised in both the petitions.
The court had, however, observed that the laws which create wedge between the sections of society and have a potential to disturb the peace of the society may not be just and valid laws. “Such a statute or provision of the statute, even if in existence cannot be given effect to, for securing the larger interest of the society’”.
CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s political adviser Waheed Ur Rehman Parra told HT that the government would review the court order. Rehman, however, did not commit that the law banning the sale and slaughter of bovines in the state would be repealed.