Dibrugarh: The administration of the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) has imposed a complete ban on the commercial slaughter of mithuns and warned of strict penalties for violators.
The order was issued by Itanagar Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu on Wednesday.
Mithun, a sacred bovine species endemic to the Himalayan regions of Northeast India, is the state animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It plays a central role in the social and economic life of several tribal communities, symbolising wealth and featuring prominently in traditional ceremonies and rituals.
Babu said the decision was taken under the provisions of the Agriculture Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1989, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The deputy commissioner, who also serves as the chairperson of the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), directed the superintendents of police of Itanagar and Naharlagun to provide personnel support whenever required by APMC members during enforcement drives.
“According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), mithun is listed as a vulnerable species. Its population is declining due to non-cyclical population decrease, local and regional contraction, commercial consumption and excessive slaughtering. Unlike cows, whose slaughter is restricted under law, no such legislation exists for mithun, which is also sacrificed by various tribes during traditional ceremonies,” an environmentalist said.
The National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM) has been working towards developing scientific and sustainable rearing systems for the animal.
“The mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated animal considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Arunachal Pradesh. With its majestic horns and robust build, it is especially revered among the Tani group of tribes. A cultural treasure and source of state pride, the animal is integral to tribal rituals, feasts and marriages,” an official said.
Mithun holds deep cultural and religious significance among several tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, including the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Adi, Mishmi and Sherdukpen communities.
The Adi community, in particular, is known for its strong cultural association with mithun, which is traditionally used in dowry and ceremonial exchanges. Ownership of mithun is widely regarded as a symbol of prestige and elite status in the state.
Studies suggest that mithun originated more than 8,000 years ago and is believed to have descended from the wild Indian gaur. The species is found across large parts of Southeast Asia.
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Apart from being reared for meat, mithuns are also traditionally used for sacrificial purposes and barter trade. Their natural habitat lies in the forested highlands.
“Beside meat, Mithuns are reared for sacrificial purposes and/or for barter trade. Their natural habitat is the forests of highlands. In some folklore, Mithun has been said to be the descendent of the Sun. Different interesting and divergent legends are available on the origin of Mithun among different tribes. Even today, Mithun is used as a holy sacrificial animal to appease the Gods by the tribesman,” study says,” a study noted.
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