Shillong: Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam Sangma on Monday strongly criticised the group opposing cow slaughter, labelling them as “extremists” and “illiterate.”
His remarks came in response to plans by a representative of Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati of Jyotirmath to launch a Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Meghalaya, which has sparked widespread criticism from various groups and political leaders.
Sangma described the group’s actions as ignorant, accusing them of lacking knowledge about the Constitution, the country’s sovereignty, and its diversity. “These people should be considered extremists, they are not worthy to be called Hindu. No one can stop me from eating my choice of food. Beef is my favourite dish, and eating beef shouldn’t be linked to any religion,” the Education Minister stated.
He pointed out that the issue of cow slaughter affects both communities differently. “Killing cows may hurt the sentiments of some, but not killing them also hurts the tribal community. Eating beef is part of our culture and festivals. No one has the right to impose restrictions,” Sangma asserted.
The minister urged the group to educate themselves on the Constitution and Indian values. “Those people are not fit to be Indians. These people creating such drama should be kept in the jungle,” he lashed out.
When asked if restrictions would be placed on the planned yatra, Sangma refrained from issuing any formal ban but suggested that the group should reconsider. He emphasized that the majority of the state’s population is Christian, and such a program could provoke communal disharmony.
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