Our Correspondent
Kohima | September10
The Angami Public Organization (APO) today urged the Government of Nagaland not to allow the proposed 'Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra' to enter Nagaland in the interest of peace and social harmony in the state.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, the APO reminded him that, as a Naga, he is aware that no Naga festival is celebrated without the slaughter of a cow.
“Beef is a delicacy to the Nagas and any campaign to ban the slaughter of cow in the Naga inhabited area is bound to face fierce resentment,” stated APO President Thejao Vihienuo and General Secretary Keneilesa Neikha in the letter.
“While we do not impose on others what to eat and what not to eat, we are against any authority or group imposing their eating habits on us,” it asserted.
The APO further pointed out that mother in the Naga society has its own rightful place with very high esteem and sanctity and it is “taboo to address any animal as our mother or father.”
“We are totally against anyone dictating us on how to address our cows and dogs,” it added.
“The Hindus in Nagaland are peacefully coexisting with the Nagas for all these years. Therefore, any incitement as the proposed ‘Yatra' has envisaged will only go the disturb the hitherto cordial relation amongst the communities in Nagaland,” the APO noted.
The letter was also addressed to Chief Secretary Nagaland, DGP Nagaland, Home Commissioner, All Angami members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and all frontal organisations of the APO.
