Goa Braces For Beef Shortage Amid Festive Season As Traders Begin Strike Over ‘Harassment’ By Cow Vigilantes

Goa braces for a beef shortage after a strike by meat traders protesting harassment by cow vigilantes, disrupting the festive season supply. The traders association demands protection from the government.

Goa is bracing for a beef shortage during the festive season as meat traders across the state launched an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting alleged harassment by cow vigilante groups. The disruption affects the daily supply of 20-25 tonnes of beef, a key commodity during Christmas and New Year celebrations.  

The Quraishi Meat Traders Association (QMTA), representing the traders, announced the strike following recent incidents of violence and intimidation. Abdul Bepari, a QMTA member, told news agency PTI, “We want action against these groups. We need protection from the government.” He alleged that police had failed to act on complaints, leaving traders vulnerable.  

According to a report by The Indian Express, tensions erupted last Wednesday at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market complex in Margao. Members of a cow protection group reportedly intercepted a vehicle unloading beef, claiming illegalities in the trade. The altercation escalated into violence, leaving three vendors and two members of the group injured. Cross-FIRs were filed at Fatorda police station.  

Manna Bepari, president of the All Goa Beef Vendors Association, informed The Indian Express, “It is unfortunate that these vigilantes are harassing vendors while animals are transported for slaughter at the abattoir. Some vehicle drivers from Belagavi are now reluctant to bring beef here due to the recent incident.”  

Shabbir Bepari, vice president of QMTA, told The Goan, “The Bajrang Dal activists have positioned themselves at the checkposts, intimidating drivers and creating fear of violence. Our suppliers are unwilling to take the risk of transporting beef.” 

Congress Slams Cow Vigilantes, Goa CM Pramod Sawant Warns Of Action Against Them 

Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, addressing reporters on Monday, strongly criticised the vigilantes. “There have been instances where mobs suddenly entered houses to check the fridge or cupboard for beef. This is absolutely trespassing, and they have no authority to go there,” he said, as reported by PTI.

Ferreira further condemned demands by vigilantes to inspect meat at shops without any official mandate. “Cow vigilante groups also demand that they be allowed to inspect meat at shops though they do not have any authority. These people do not belong to any recognised bodies, and even if they are recognised (organisations), they have no right to enter shops and do such activities,” he said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking on Monday, assured that the state-run Goa Meat Complex Limited would cater to beef demands during the strike. As per PTI, Sawant stated, “The meat complex provides hygienic beef.” He also warned of action against those who take the 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 remarked, as quoted by Indian Express.

The ongoing strike and vigilante actions have sparked public outcry. Joseph Jacques, a Mapusa resident, told The Goan, “The lack of beef supply during Christmas is extremely frustrating. Who gave these vigilantes the authority to attack traders? Such incidents have no place in Goa.”  

The QMTA has sought meetings with both ruling and opposition leaders to resolve the crisis, but as the strike continues, Goa braces for a tense festive season.