The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, in response to the controversy over the ban on beef biryani at the Ambur Biryani Festival, has said that there should be no restriction or discrimination against beef biryani during district-level biryani festivals.
Ban on sale of Beef Biryani at Ambur Biryani Festival in Tirupattur created a stir. Later, the Tirupathur district administration postponed the festival to be held from May 13 to 15, citing the reason for the impending rains to prevent escalation of issues.
Read also: Corona virus can survive on meat, fish for 30 days
The commission, in its statement, said that it was accepting the views of the Tirupathur collector on the beef biryani controversy, but the district administration did nothing to discriminate against people on the basis of caste. “There should be no restrictions and discrimination towards beef biryani at district level biryani festivals in the coming days. Also beef biryani should not be avoided on the biryani festivals organized by the district administration.
Read also: Beef ban in Arunachal Pradesh: Restaurants asked to remove signs
Earlier, the Thirupathur district collector was questioned by the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as to why beef was not allowed in the district’s annual Ambur Biryani festival.
The commission condemned the action as “discriminatory” against the Muslim community, SCs and STs. The Ambur Biryani festival, which was scheduled to take place from May 13-15 at the Ambur Trade Centre, was temporarily postponed due to possible torrential downpours.
Read also: Eat less meat to prevent cancer, says new study
Several organizations criticized the collector’s decision to exclude beef biryani from the celebrations and urged that the district administration reconsider its choice.
Tamil Nadu ST/SC Commission had earlier sent a notice to District Collector Amar Kushwaha seeking an explanation from him.
Read also: Why meat delivery online remains a tough market to crack
“The Commission has received information through a petition that you, as the head of the District Administration, have arranged a Biryani festival at Ambur, with a proposal to display in stalls for sale to the public, various items of Biryani. The number will be more than 20. In the press note, you have specifically stated that beef biryani will be excluded,” the letter said.
(with ANI inputs)
catch all business News, market news, today’s fresh news events and breaking news Updates on Live Mint. download mint news app To get daily market updates.