KOHIMA, SEP 10: The Angami Public Organisation (APO) has formally appealed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, urging the government to prohibit the ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra’ scheduled to reach Kohima on September 28, 2024. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the APO has expressed strong reservations about the impact of the proposed event on the cultural and social fabric of the state.
The APO’s concerns center around the central theme of the Yatra, which aims to promote a ban on the slaughter of cows. The organisation emphasized that beef is a significant part of the Naga diet and culture. They highlighted that Naga festivals traditionally involve the consumption of beef, and any efforts to impose restrictions on this practice would likely be met with considerable resistance.
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In addition, the APO criticized the Yatra’s perceived disrespect towards Naga cultural norms. They pointed out that, in Naga society, it is considered taboo to address animals by referring to them as ‘mother’ or ‘father.’ The APO argued that the Yatra’s approach to addressing cows and dogs is inconsistent with Naga cultural values.
The letter also addressed the harmonious coexistence between Hindus and Nagas in the region, asserting that the proposed Yatra could disrupt this peaceful relationship. The APO warned that the event could incite tensions and negatively impact the longstanding communal harmony in Nagaland.
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In conclusion, the APO has strongly recommended that the Nagaland government prevent the Yatra from entering the state in order to maintain peace and social stability.