In a landmark decision the Assam Cabinet on Friday gave ‘in-principle’ approval to issue detailed procedures and Standard Operating Procedures for permitting traditional buffalo and bull fights to be organized during Magh Bihu at Ahatguri in Morigaon District, Nagaon or in any other part of the state.
This comes after the Gauhati High Court had in October asked the state government to make its stance clear on the issue.
According to the government, the SOP will ensure no cruelty is meted out on animals.
The SOP aims to ensure that no deliberate torture or cruelty is carried out on the animals and their well-being is provided for by the organisers during the annual Moh-juj festival, an integral part of the centuries-old Assamese cultural tradition.
In today’s meeting of the #AssamCabinet we decided to
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 8, 2023
1️⃣ Conduct a socio economic assessment of Assam’s indigenous minorities
2️⃣ Sanction ₹259 cr to construct libraries across Assam
3️⃣ Frame SOPs for traditional bull fights to ensure well-being of the animals pic.twitter.com/nO6UzV5dBs
