Assam government expands beef ban to restaurants, hotels and public spaces

NEW DELHI: The Assam government on Wednesday announced a complete ban on serving and consuming beef in restaurants, hotels, public functions, and other community spaces.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the decision was finalized during a state cabinet meeting that approved amendments to the existing laws on beef consumption.
“In Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel, nor will it be allowed in any public function or public place. Earlier, our decision was to stop eating beef near temples, but now we have expanded it to the entire state. You will not be able to eat it in any community or public space, hotel, or restaurant,” CM Sarma said during his address.

After the announcement, Assam minister Pijush Hazarika, retweeted the CM’s announcement and challenged the opposition Congress, saying, “I challenge Assam Congress to welcome the beef ban or go and settle in Pakistan.”
The decision comes after CM Sarma earlier hinted at implementing such a ban. Speaking to the media last Sunday, he had said he was open to prohibiting beef consumption in Assam if the Congress submitted a written request. This statement followed allegations by Congress leaders, including Rakibul Hussain, who accused the BJP of distributing beef to secure votes in the recent bypolls in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency.