BJP Nagaland Urges State To Stand Against Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra (image-twitter/BJP4Phek)
The Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra, a movement aimed at banning cow slaughter and declaring cow as the Mother of the Nation, will reach Nagaland’s Kohima on September 28, as per Northeast news.
However, on Wednesday, the BJP Phek District released a press release extending their full support to BJP state chief Benjamin Yepthomi and the state party for its stand against the proposed Yatra.
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The press release, now deleted, was posted on their official X account, BJP4Phek. The Alt News Co-Founder Muhammed Zubair shared a screenshot of the press release on his X account.
Citing the reason for their decision not to support the march, in the press release, they noted that the yatra “directly interferes with the culture and dietary choices of the Nagas.”
BJP in Nagaland @BJP4Nagaland “The proposed programme, which is part of a movement that seeks to declare the cow as Mother of the Nation and also ban cow slaughter, directly interferes with the culture and dietary choices of the Nagas. 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦, 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠… pic.twitter.com/BxaggiKxHp
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) September 13, 2024
“In Naga custom, equating mothers to an animal is outrightly disrespectful and insulting to the honoured and revered position mothers occupy in the family and the society,” they noted.
The BJP Phek district further stated that imposing restrictions on the traditional food habits of the Naga people is “not only dictatorial but also disrespect to cultural heritage.”
“And any such imposition or alteration to the rich customs and traditions of the Naga people poses threat to the peace and harmony of Nagas,” it added.
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The BJP Phek district President, Dr Er. Vekho Swuro, also asked the state to prevent any kind of such divisive programs and ensure that Nagaland’s unique culture and tradition are safeguarded.
“Our primary concern is the well-being of our people and the BJP Phek district reaffirms its commitment to uphold the cultural rights and freedoms of the Naga people, while also ensuring that the social fabric of Nagaland remains intact and vibrant,” it said.
