Shillong, Sept 27: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) wants the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to decide on permission to the cow protection group to land at Umroi airport on Saturday after the Ri Bhoi DC urged the AAI to deny landing.
The cow protection group has reiterated that a delegation will land at 12 pm on Saturday in a chartered flight.
An official source with the Umroi airport said that though the deputy commissioner sent a letter to the airport director of Umroi airport, it was upto the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to decide on the matter as the concerned airport authority in Umroi has limited role.
The Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, Abhilash Baranwal stressed the need of the Airport Authority of India to follow up the matter.
Official letter of the DC below
To,
The Airport Director,
Airport Authority of India (AAI),
Shillong Airport, Umroi.
Subject: –
Matters relating to landing of Cow protectors/vigilante scheduled for the 28th
September, 2024
Sir,
With reference to the subject cited above, it has come to the knowledge of the
undersigned that members of Gau Dhwaj Sthapan are planning to come tomorrow by a chartered fight which is reported to be scheduled for landing at Shillong Airport, Umroi on th 28th September,
2024 . The arrival of the members of the organization with their stated agenda is likely to adversely affect the law and order situation in the state of Meghalaya. Hence, as instructed by the Government of Meghalaya, I am hereby directed to request you to deny permission for landing to the concerned chartered flight. Simultaneously, you are also requested to inform the office of the undersigned in advance if landing permission is sought by the concerned organization in future. This is for your information and necessary action.
Deputy Commissioner
Ri Bhoi District
Nongpoh
The decision to write to the AAI by the DC was taken after a high level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang on Friday.
The Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner has also imposed prohibitory order in the whole district from Friday. Earlier in the day, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner has also imposed restrictions in the district.
Prohibitory order of Ri Bhoi DC
ORDER U/S 163 OF BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023.
“Whereas, It has come to the notice of the undersigned that some organizations are planning to organize a Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Meghalaya on 2nd October, 2024; And Whereas, the organizers did not seek for permission for carrying out the Yatra
And Whereas, such Rally may lead to breakdown of Law & Order in the District.
Now, therefore, I, Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, District Magistrate, Ri Bhoi, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and with the aim to prevent any group from taking out a procession/Rally which may disrupt public order do hereby prohibit as under:
1. The assembly of 5(five) or more people for the purpose of any Rally or Procession within Ri Bhoi District.
2. The movement of an assembly of 5(five) or more people in any Rally or Procession in Ri Bhoi District.
Any person found contravening this Order shall be liable for legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and any other as deem fit and appropriate.
The Order shall be enforced by the District Police of Ri Bhoi District.
In view of the urgency of the matter this Order it being passed exparte and shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force until further orders.
(This Order does not apply to religious processions which have obtained due permission from this authority and undertake to strictly adhere to conditions given)
Given under my hand and seal today the 27th
September, 2024.
District Magistrate,
Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh
Organisations oppose rally
Various organisations and activists have opposed the proposed cow protection rally.
The Khasi Jaintia Butcher’s Welfare Association (KJBWA) opposed the proposed holding of the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra.
In a letter to the deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, the KJBWA said, “Therefore, we urge you to deny permission for this rally to uphold our constitutional rights, protect Meghalaya’s peace and communal harmony and ensure the rule of law that safeguards our freedom.”
it said, “As butchers, we provide essential services to our community, respecting the food choices and cultural practices of the people of Meghalaya.Our profession is lawful and we operate within the bounds of the Indian Constitution. India is a diverse democracy which means: citizens have the right to choose their profession (Article 19(1)(g), cultural diversity is protected (Article 29(1) and freedom of conscience and religion is guaranteed (Article 25). The proposed rally’s aim to impose a ban on cow slaughter will deprive our livelihood, disrupt our cultural identity and violate our freedom of conscience and religion. Furthermore, this ban will worsen Meghalaya’s already dire employment situation, where job opportunities are scarce, leading to increase in unemployment and economic hardship, negatively impacting the local economy, and compromising the well-being of our families and communities.”
“India is a democracy where the majority’s views should not dictate minority rights, diversity and inclusively must be respected, and constitutional rights must always take precedence over individual ideologies,” it said.
In a statement, social activist from South Garo Hills Greneth M. Sangma condemned the upcoming event
scheduled for September 28 in Shillong, where Jagadguru Shankaracharya
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj will advocate for a central law banning cow slaughter and install the cow flag.
“This event undermines the rights and freedoms of Meghalaya’s people, who cherish
their independence and freedom to live life on their own terms, as enshrined in the Sixth
Schedule and the right to freedom of religion under the Indian Constitution. As part of the
Christian state in North East India, we respect all religions and beliefs but cannot allow
communal intentions to disrupt our harmonious coexistence.
In our Garo tradition, cows are integral to cultural and social practices, including
marriage, meetings, and significant events. We cannot entertain attempts to impose
restrictions on our dietary preferences and cultural practices”, Sangma said.
Key Demands of the activist
1. Respect for cultural diversity: Recognize and respect Meghalaya’s cultural practices
and traditions.
2. Protection of rights: Ensure the event does not infringe upon the rights and freedom
of Meghalaya’s people.
3. Promote harmony: Encourage dialogue and understanding among different
communities to maintain social harmony.
“We urge the authorities to ensure the event does not infringe upon our rights and
freedom. We stand united against attempts to sow discord and divisiveness in our society.
We appeal to concerned citizens, organizations, and authorities to join us in
condemning this event and upholding unity, diversity, and inclusivity values”, he said.
