SHILLONG: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has firmly denounced a planned march by a Hindu group in Shillong on October 2, seeking to declare the cow as the ‘mother of the nation’ and ban cow slaughter.
The Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra is a movement aimed at banning cow slaughter in India. The nationwide yatra will commence on September 22 and continue until October 26.
The minister expressed concerns that such actions could disrupt the state’s peaceful atmosphere and undermine its unique cultural heritage.
She strongly opposed any move to ban people’s food preferences.
Lyngdoh, who also heads the Health and Family Welfare Department, emphasized that Meghalaya is a diverse state with its own rich traditions.
She cautioned against attempts to impose external beliefs on the region, stressing the importance of mutual respect among all ethnic groups.
The minister warned that any actions or intentions that could disturb the peace would not be tolerated.
She assured the public that existing laws are in place to address such disruptions and urged individuals to refrain from engaging in activities that could harm the state’s harmony.
While acknowledging that people may have different opinions, Lyngdoh maintained that actions that create unrest have no place in Meghalaya.
“Any attempts to incite division or hatred should be prevented as these ‘political dramas’ should not be allowed to upset the peace of the people of Meghalaya,” She added.
She called for a balance between freedom of expression and respect for local customs, urging visitors to honour the state’s cultural practices just as they would expect their own traditions to be respected.
Earlier, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has asked the state government not to allow holding of the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Shillong on October 2.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said, “Therefore, keeping in mind the sentiments of the people at large and also ensuring communal harmony in the state, we appeal to the state government through your office to ensure that the intended “Gau Prathistha Andolan: Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra” by any person(s)/groups/organisations is opposed and prevented by all means.”
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Notably, the Gau Pratishtha Andolan is a movement advocating for the cow’s elevation to ‘Rashtra Mata,’ its protection under the Indian Constitution, and the eradication of cow slaughter in India.
