Beef shortage looms in Goa as traders down shutters after clash with cow vigilantes

Vendors said the shops will open on Wednesday, after they received assurances from the authorities addressing “safety concerns”. The authorities claimed vendors had resumed operations on Tuesday evening.

Dr Rajesh Ghanashyam Kenny, Managing Director, 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 gripped the SGPDA market last Wednesday 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. Cross-FIRs were registered at Fatorda police station following the incident. After the incident, beef traders threatened to go on a strike.

Shaikh Shabbir Bepari, vice president, 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. What gives them the authority to harass people and disrupt the trade?”

“We have spoken to the authorities and demanded police protection. We have sourced some stock from different markets. We are expecting deliveries from Wednesday,” he added.

Nizamuddin Bepari from Qureshi Meat Traders Association of Goa said, “The shops remained closed today, but we have received an assurance that the issue has been addressed and stock will start arriving from Goa Meat Complex on Wednesday. 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 warned of action against those who “take law into their own hands”.

“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,” Sawant told the media on Monday.