DIMAPUR — The Rengma Hoho has appreciated the stance of the Nagaland government in preserving the socio-religious fabric of the Naga people by deciding not to implement the Cow Slaughter Act, 2019.
In a press statement, the hoho reminded of the special status Nagaland enjoys under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards the Naga people’s unique social practices, customary laws, religious beliefs, and land rights.
“As a predominantly Christian state, with 90% of its population adhering to Christianity, Nagaland’s customs and traditions are deeply intertwined with its religious practices. Under Article 371A, no act of Parliament can be enforced in Nagaland on matters relating to religion, social practices, or customary law without the consent of the State Assembly,” the hoho stated.
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The hoho also pointed out that that many cultures, including the Nagas, traditionally consume beef as part of their dietary habits, which is permissible under the Indian Constitution.
It maintained that ban on cow slaughter and the promotion of movements like the Gau Dhwaj Yatra in Nagaland would violate Article 371A and disrupt the socio-religious harmony of the region.
The imposition of such acts would infringe on the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution, which allows individuals to practice their faith without coercion, it stated.
Further, the Rengma Hoho asserted that any attempt to introduce laws or campaigns that contradict the cultural and religious practices of the Naga people must be resisted, as they would not only violate constitutional provisions but also threaten the unity and harmony of the Naga society.
“We call upon all concerned to respect the rights of the Naga people as enshrined in the Constitution and refrain from imposing alien practices that conflict with our traditions and values,” the hoho added.
Yatra religiously motivated — PBCA
Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) has termed the ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra’ as “politically empowered and religiously motivated” to impose Hindu mono-culture in India.
“This cultural binding rule in the form of the ban of cow slaughter cannot be imposed upon Naga society. Cultural diversity is our strength, beauty and creativity. Therefore, the Phom-Naga society cannot allow alien mono-cultural intruders into our land. We respect others’ culture, and we want others also to respect our culture,” the PBCA said in a press release.
Maintaining that the “whole world loves and respects the history, culture and identity of Nagas,” the association questioned as to why mainland India disrespects Naga culture.
“Naga youngsters have never been taught to respect and worship cow as holy mother (Gau Mata) by our forefathers. Yes, our cultured younger generation love and care for animals, but worshipping cow is not in our religious and cultural belief system,” it said.
The PBCA further appealed that the cultural diversity and mutual respect are to be maintained to preserve the unity and beauty of India.