Resolve beef ban issue amicably, says PDP

Amid yawning differences between BJP and regional parties of Kashmir Valley over the issue of ban on beef, ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today gave a call for a talk and building consensus over it rather than taking "other routes".
The PDP, which is ruling partner of BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, said the beef ban in the state was a sensitive issue connected with the "religious beliefs" of the people.
However, the BJP is asserting that it would oppose any move to decriminalise cow slaughter in the state.
"It is a very sensitive issue, which is directly connected with our religious beliefs. Rather than doing politics over it or taking other routes -- legal or constitutional-- there is a need to talk to each other and try to build a consensus," PDP chief spokesman Mehboob Beg told PTI here.

Opposition National Conference has moved a bill in the state Assembly, for the upcoming session, to decriminalise cow slaughter in the state. JK High Court has recently directed to implement the ban on bovine slaughter strictly.
Beg said the issue had to be sorted out amicably and criticised opposition NC for submitting the bill in the assembly which seeks omission of various sections of Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) that ban sale, slaughter and consumption of beef in the state.

"This (NC's move) is politicking. NC is an old political party and they should behave responsibly. My appeal to all political parties is that this is not an election time and let us not do politics over such sensitive issues. Let us sort it out amicably," he said.

He, however, refused to say anything on whether the PDP would support or oppose any bill, either by the NC or by any private member, which seeks decriminalising the slaughter of bovine animals in the state.
The PDP leader said the issue was in courts and people should wait for its outcome from there.
"See, a secular state cannot hurt the religious beliefs of the people. And then the matter is in the courts as well. Let us all wait for what comes out from there," he said.