Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, SEP 9: The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) of Nagaland has urged the organizers of the ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ to reconsider their proposal to hold the programme in Nagaland.
In a statement issued today, the NDPP requested the Nagaland state government intervene at the earliest so that the prevalent socio-religious harmony and brotherhood is not disturbed.
“The attention of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) is drawn to the announcement of a ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ on September 28, 2024, in Kohima to promote the ban on cow slaughter that has been reported in the local media. The NDPP is a secular political party with its principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and stands firm on the very fabrics of democracy. However, being a regional political party representing the people of Nagaland, protecting the rights, privileges and sentiments of the people of the State is our foremost priority”, it said.
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The NDPP pointed out that the Article 371A of the Constitution of India protects the “religious and social practices” of the Nagas and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the Government of Nagaland have decided not to implement the “Ban on Cow Slaughter Act 2019” based on the constitutional provisions of Article 371A. “Today, while the decision of the NLA and the Government still stands, a program organized to promote the ban on cow slaughter may hurt the sentiments of the Naga people and may also affect the socio-religious harmony prevailing in the State,” it added.
The NDPP then said it “respects” the social and religious beliefs of each and every citizen of this diverse nation “we belong to”, and the NDPP also said it “expects” that the religious and social practices of the Naga people must also be similarly respected by others. The party further said the Republic of India has always upheld the freedom of its States and her people in deciding to enact laws and legislations as per their needs and requirements; and today, it is because of this freedom that the majority of the North-Eastern States along with Kerala and West Bengal have decided not to implement and enact the Act of 2019. “In such a scenario, to organize such an event as announced would go against the sentiments of the majority of the people of the State and will also be undermining the powers conferred upon the State Legislature and the State government by the Constitution of India,” it further added.
In view of these concerns and issues, the NDPP urged the organizers of the ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ to reconsider their proposal to hold the program in Nagaland and also requested the Government of Nagaland to intervene at the earliest so that the prevalent socio-religious harmony and brotherhood is not disturbed.
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