NEW DELHI: The Assam government has banned the serving and consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places. This was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The state cabinet decided to amend the existing law regarding the consumption of beef and include new provisions.

According to the news agency, the announcement about the beef ban was made at a press conference convened by the chief minister. Earlier, it was decided to stop eating beef near temples but now it has been extended to the entire state, the CM said.

“We thoroughly analyzed the statements made by Congress leaders Bhupen Borah and Rakibul Hussain. We found that the anti-cow Slaughter Act is very powerful, but misses out on one provision. The provision is whether beef can be served during community festivals, or as a dish in hotels and restaurants. The cabinet decided that no hotel or restaurant in Assam can serve beef from now on. Beef cannot be served in social gatherings either. This means that public consumption of beef has been prohibited from today onwards. We will incorporate this new provision into the act soon,” announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.