Nagaland BJP, Cong condemn 'Gau Dhwaj Yatra' in Kohima

Dimapur: A day after the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Naga People’s Front opposed the ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra’ in Kohima, the Nagaland unit of BJP and the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday (September 10, 2024) opposed and condemned the proposed programme scheduled in the state’s capital on September 28.

The state BJP clarified that it has nothing to do with this group or organisation organising the yatra.

“Any attempt to impose regulations that contradict these practices, especially in matters of food, is a direct infringement on the rights guaranteed to the people of Nagaland,” state BJP president, Benjamin Yepthomi, said in a press statement.

Yepthomi said the proposed cow slaughter ban not only challenges the cultural and social practices of the people of Nagaland but also goes against their religious beliefs.

He strongly urged the organisers of the yatra to reconsider holding such a programme in Nagaland, given the potential implications it will inevitably have on the cultural cohesion and communal peace of the people of the state.

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The saffron party’s state unit chief emphasised that the Nagaland BJP’s opposition to this programme is not an attack on any particular faith or belief system rather it is a call for mutual respect and understanding.

The party appealed to the Nagaland government to uphold the provisions of Article 371A and protect the rights and traditions of the Naga people.

It also urged all parties concerned to ensure that no actions are taken which could harm the longstanding peace and unity within the society.

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress too strongly condemned the proposed Gau Dhwaj Yatra in Kohima, saying food choice is a personal matter and a fundamental aspect of individual freedom.

The grand old party said any attempts to impose one’s food preferences or beliefs on another in the state would be opposed “tooth and nail.”

It termed the proposed yatra aimed at promoting the ban on cow slaughter “Exhibit A” of a divisive trend.