December 31, 2024

 

Strike threatens to hamper beef supply in Goa, India

 

 

 

Goa, India, may face a beef shortage after traders went on a strike to protest against harassment, following a recent altercation with members allegedly affiliated with a cow protection group in South Goa's Margao during which three meat vendors were injured.

 

The vendors at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market complex in Margao and Mapusa pulled downed shutters on December 23-24, urging the government to "rein in vigilante groups" and provide police protection for vehicles transporting beef from the Goa Meat Complex to other parts of the state.

 

Vendors said the shops will open on December 25, after they received assurances from the authorities addressing "safety concerns". The authorities claimed vendors had resumed operations on the evening of December 24.

 

Dr. Rajesh Ghanashyam Kenny, managing director of Goa Meat Complex, said: "We are all geared up to supply hygienic beef as per the demand. There is no shortage. The slaughtering has already commenced. We have started getting orders and we will fulfil them."

 

Tensions recently gripped the SGPDA market after beef vendors clashed with members of a cow protection group when the latter allegedly intercepted a vehicle unloading beef, claiming "illegalities" in the meat trade and supply chain. The altercation escalated into a fight, during which three vendors and two members of the cow protection group allegedly sustained injuries.

 

Shaikh Shabbir Bepari, vice president of the All Goa Beef Vendors Association, told The Indian Express:"We are mainly dependent on Karnataka for the supply of meat. In the past few days, the suppliers have been reluctant to transport beef due to threats from these vigilantes. If there is some doubt or illegality, they should file a police complaint and it is for the police to then probe.

 

"We have spoken to the authorities and demanded police protection. We have sourced some stock from different markets. We are expecting deliveries from (December 25)."

 

Nizamuddin Bepari from Qureshi Meat Traders Association of Goa said: "The shops remained closed… but we have received an assurance that the issue has been addressed and stock will start arriving from Goa Meat Complex on (December 25). During the festive season, the demand is usually high for beef, so due to supply constraints in light of recent threats, there was a shortage."

 

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said: "The government believes that Goans should get good and hygienic beef. This is the reason why we have insisted that meat traders procure their beef requirements from the Goa Meat Complex. This is being done so consumers get hygienic meat. But, if there is any interference from anyone, the government will take strict action. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Our priority remains the provision of hygienic beef to Goans."

 

- The Indian Express

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