Boycott by Muslim Groups Triggers Concerns Among Karnataka Dairy Farmers
Recent events in Karnataka's Hassan district have stirred tension among local communities, particularly affecting the weekly cattle fair. Muslim organizations have announced a boycott of cattle purchases for the Bakrid festival. This decision has come in response to what they describe as intimidation tactics, including threatening posters in Muslim-majority areas.
The boycott follows a recent incident where authorities, alongside right-wing activists, intercepted vehicles transporting livestock, seizing the animals. This has led to a significant economic impact on local dairy farmers, who depend heavily on the Hassan cattle market to sell unproductive cattle and fund their agricultural needs.
Many farmers, like Vokkaliga Gowda, have expressed their desperation, stating that their primary livelihood is at risk. The market, which usually operates every Tuesday morning, saw hundreds of farmers left without buyers, despite the anticipated high demand for cattle ahead of the festival.
At the heart of the boycott is the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. This law prohibits the slaughter of cows and other bovine animals, except under specific conditions for buffaloes. The Muslim community argues that they have been unfairly targeted as illegal cattle traders, leading to the boycott decision for safety reasons.
Advocate Anshad-e-Palya, representing local Muslim organizations, emphasized that the boycott is a protective measure. He criticized the administration for not addressing community issues and instead supporting intimidation tactics. Meanwhile, local police have denied involvement in the creation of threatening posters, which warned against cattle transactions.
Superintendent of Police Shubhanwita confirmed no government agency erected the posters and that investigations are ongoing. This situation reflects ongoing tensions and economic challenges faced by both the Muslim community and local dairy farmers in Karnataka.
