NC MLC moves for decriminalising sale of beef in J&K

Against the backdrop of beef ban row, Opposition NC's Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Qaiser Jamsheed Lone today submitted a private member's bill seeking amendments to the Ranbir Penal Code to decriminalise slaughter of bovine animals.
Lone submitted the private members' bill in Legislative Council for consideration during the upcoming session of the Legislature starting on October 3.
The bill seeks amendments to sections of Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), equivalent of IPC in the state, on the beef ban issue.
"Jammu and Kashmir is a muslim majority state and traditionally people have been sacrificing cattle on occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Therefore it becomes obligatory to make amendments in laws which risk peace and harmony of state," Lone said in a statement.

He said his party National Conference has made its stand clear on issue and now the state government should also come forward and support it in the House, if they care for communal harmony in the state.
The move comes against the backdrop of a row triggered by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court's recent order to police to implement a 150-year-old provision in the RPC banning sale of beef in the state.

The HC issued the order while hearing a PIL.
The order led to protests in Kashmir, with some politicians calling for amendment to the RPC that would decriminalise the slaughter of bovines.

Independent MLA from Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid has already submitted a similar bill in the Legislative Assembly.
Lone has also moved a resolution demanding a ban on manufacture and sale of liquor in the state.