THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM on Friday held dharnas at 2000 centres across the state to protest against Centre’s notification imposing restriction of sale of cattle for slaughter. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan inaugurated the dharna at Palayam market. He said the BJP led Government at the Centre was implementing the divisive agenda at the behest of RSS. He said the restrictions on the food habits of the people were totally unacceptable. “The notification is part of the Centre's attempt to legalise the divisive agenda and to deprive lakhs of people of their livelihood means besides curbing the right to have food of their choice,” he said.
Mr Kodiyeri said besides curbing the right to food of people, the Centre had also imposed huge burden on poor farmers holding them responsible for the care of aged and unhealthy cattle. The Centre has put additional burden on the farmers who are facing crisis because of crop loss, falling prices of their produce and drought. The Centre's move will push the farmers to suicide, he added. The Centre's notification will seriously hit the efforts being made by LDF Government to achieve self sufficiency in milk production. The party has decided to intensify the campaign till the Centre withdrew the notification.
