Introducing the bill, AH and veterinary minister, Nihar Kanti Chakma said that the objectives of the bill are to control indiscriminate slaughter of animals; to prevent slaughter; and regulate “sale of the meat of animals which are unfit for human consumption”.
He also asserted that slaughter of animals should be done after thorough examination of competent Meat Inspector to ensure sale of healthy meat to the people.
“The act to be enforced will also entail proper disposal of the waste and prevent public nuisance and pollution of environment,” he said.
The minister added that, with the enforcement of the act, the government is expected to collect a net profit of Rs 6179200 annually.
Meanwhile, in course of discussion, both the ruling and opposition members were skeptical on section 3 of the bill which imposes restriction on slaughter of animals in places other than recognised slaughter houses.
Some members interpreted sub-section no.1 of section 3 of the bill which says: “no animal, meant for consumption and sale in the recognised market, shall be slaughtered in any place other than recognised slaughter houses” as a provision to be applied only in the case of sale of meat in the recognised meat market.
Some other members raised question on slaughter of animals for community feast during celebration of important occasions including celebration of Christmas and New Year.
Clarifying the points raised by the members, the minister said rules will be published once notification of the act has been completed.
Many people are asking why this particular law needs to be adopted by the Assembly as “Mizoram is basically a Christian dominated state where we have been enjoying the right to kill animals for their meat as per the people’s requirement.”
“This is not Gujarat or Karnataka where the BJP governments have passed strict legislation on animal slaughter. We’ll campaign against this law tooth an nail,” one member of the Aizawl butchers’ association said on condition of anonymity as his organisation is yet to take a final decision on the issue.