India - Meghalaya: Desperate BJP justifies beef consumption (The Shillong Times)

Police to up security for Amit Shah’s visit

SHILLONG: A day after the HNLC called a 12-hour shutdown in protest against the visit of BJP’s national president Amit Shah, the State unit of the party for the first time condemned the atrocities that have taken place against Christians.
The State BJP also defended consumption of beef by saying that it is part of the food habits of the people of Meghalya.
In a statement issued on Monday, the BJP State chief Khlur Sing Lyngdoh said, “the party has strongly condemned the atrocities that have taken place against different Christian Communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condemned this shameful Act. The Central Government has not taken this lightly and has ordered inquiries into the matter”.
According to the state BJP, it is completely misleading to blame the party regarding the ban on cow slaughtering. “This issue is totally a state subject. The party strongly feels that since beef eating is one of the food habits of the majority of the people of Meghalaya, it should not be stopped”.
The State BJP further said that it has completed all its preparations for Shah’s maiden visit to Shillong on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the State police have decided to seek the help of CRPF for maintenance of law and order during Wednesday’s bandh.
East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang said that the police is in touch with CrPF to ensure that no law and order problem comes up during the bandh besides providing full proof security to Amit Shah who is a a Z-plus protectee
BJP president Amit Shah is set to visit the state on April 22 for a day and during his visit, the BJP chief will address BJP workers and hold a series of meetings with leaders of regional political parties, besides holding a separate meeting with church leaders and civil society groups.
Boycott call: Meanwhile, U Rangli Juki (TUR), a pressure group, has asked various religious leaders, civil society groups and regional parties of Meghalaya to boycott Amit Shah’s visit.
Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR), has also urged individuals and groups to join in a Public Forum on April 22 at11.00 am near MBOSE office, Lachaumiere to discuss the attack on democratic and secular ideals.
“We appeal to boycott Amit Shah and his party for enacting an anti-farmer land ‘grabbing’ law.
“Attacking people’s freedom of culture, religion and faith through beef ban, vandalising churches and mosques and their Ghar Wapasi campaign should be protested, TUR said, adding that the Centre is pushing for mining of uranium against people’s wishes.

Read more at http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2015/04/21/desperate-bjp-justifies-beef-consumption/