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Dimapur, July 28 (EMN): The Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) has termed the decision of the state government to ban the sale of dog meat in the state as “arbitrary and confusing”.
In a press issued by its media cell, the association stated that “while consumption of dog meat has always been part of our culture, it is amusing to note that many mainlanders have chided our people and culture (sic)”.
The association said that it is amusing to see the state government hastily deciding to ban the sale and import of dog meat, both cooked and uncooked.” While illegal trade may be banned, the imposition to appease mainlanders is indeed arbitrary. Even though not every household consumes dog meat, nevertheless its consumption has very much been a part of our culture where dogs have been reared for various purposes, including consumption,” it stated.
“It is not that every Naga kills their pet dogs and eat them. This is a wrong picture portrayed to belittle Nagas. What may be a part of one's culture may be repugnant to someone else. However, India is a diverse country and therefore, there are diverse cultures and people and one should endeavour to tolerate the customs and traditions of others,” it added.
The association stated that the state government should study whether the decision to ban dog meat sale is misleading the people both in Nagaland and in other states.
‘The YAN is not against any political parties, nor is it affiliated to any political party. But, the association is raising the voice of public so that it reaches the government,’ it stated while appealing to the state government to ‘consult the stakeholders before passing any decision that is in direct conflict with our customs and tradition’.
Stating that Nagas have unique culture, the association said that government “should stand firm and fight for our cultural rights and identity as they have been elected to lead, not to become puppets to outsiders”.