Dimapur, July 12 : The recent news on ‘Nagaland government in the process of banning dog meat in the state’ by Municipal Affairs Department (MAD) has been taking the attention of not only regional newspapers but national newspapers alike. However the news has been unwelcomed by the dog meat traders of Dimapur calling the development unwanted and biased.
According to them (dog meat traders), the so called ban on dog meat is a decision influenced by religion and nepotism. They bluntly told Eastern Mirror that they had no idea about the directives but came to know only through their customers which took them by surprise and since then it has become a topic in their circles (dog meat traders).
Unhappy and anxious, a lady who has been in the business for over a decade, talking frantically to Eastern Mirror articulated that this business has been their bread and butter which has kept their kitchen burning and providing education to their children.
Since ages we have been consuming ‘dog meat’ not only for its delicacy but for medicinal purpose and this trade has been in practice since ages said the business community in unison. Even non-Naga has embrace the culture and enjoy consuming dog meat says the traders.
“The doctors too recommend the consumption of dog meat for medicinal values and there is a huge demand for dog meat in the market” says a trader. They also termed the so called directives unnecessary and labeled it as a move to disrupt their decent trade.
“There are many illegal businesses taking place in the state (specifically referring to flesh trades) but the state is doing nothing to stop such thriving visible activity which is a negative impact on the society. Why do they want to put a ban on our decent trade that’s on high demand”, questioned the dog meat traders.
The dogs are brought from Niuland and Karbi Anglong for sale in Nagaland with price ranging from Rs.800-Rs.2800 depending on the size of a dog and sold with a maximum profit of Rs.200 at the market, a trader shared.
“We don’t try to make exorbitant profit out of this trade. We follow with the market demand and it is ridiculous that the state is making an effort to work on the call of a non-local individual for their mere interest” lamented the traders.
Regardless of what the state’s recent directive, dog meat will remain one of the favorite dishes for the Nagas even in the days to come.
