Beef vendors in Goa to resume operations today

Panaji: Beef vendors in Goa, who went on a statewide shutdown on Dec 23 and 24, said that they will resume operations on Dec 25, on account of Christmas.

“We are speaking with our suppliers and have decided to resume operations from Dec 25 onwards. Beef sales will begin from 7am,” said Quraishi Meat Traders Association general secretary Anwar Bepari.

The strike came to an end after chief minister Pramod Sawant addressed the issue during a public event on Monday. Speaking to reporters, Sawant had said that action would be taken against “those who interfere” with vendors or “take the law into their own hands”.

Although the CM did not meet with the vendors directly, Bepari expressed confidence in the statement. “Since the CM made the statement on a public platform that he will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands, we are trusting his word and resuming operations,” he said.

Currently, Goa has approximately 75 beef-selling stores, with nearly 250 vendors and workers involved in the trade. The state's daily demand for beef is about 25 tonnes, but only 10-12 tonnes are supplied from the neighbouring state.

The vendors’ strike, which disrupted beef sales across the state for the past two days, was sparked by concerns over safety and incidents of interference by cow vigilante groups.

Tensions had escalated last week when a group of vigilantes disrupted the operations of beef vendors at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority Market. The group intercepted a vehicle unloading beef and accused the vendors of illegalities in the supply chain. The standoff turned violent, with three beef vendors sustaining injuries.

The situation prompted the shutdown on Dec 23, leaving locals adjusting their festive menus to substitute beef with lamb or mutton despite the steep price of Rs 900 and Rs 850 per kg respectively, a day ahead of Christmas. Operations did not resume on Dec 24 either.

“This cannot keep happening,” Maria D’Souza, a consumer, said. “Beef is the cheapest red meat and it’s a preferred dietary choice for Goans. Govt should have come down harder on the antisocial elements to protect the food of its voters instead of just reacting to incidents.”

Despite the anticipated resumption of supply, some consumers are unhappy with the unavailability of beef even a day before Christmas “It is too late,” said Camillo Vaz. “Purchasing beef on Christmas is very inconvenient for us.”

Animal husbandry and veterinary services deputy director Rajesh Kenny said, “The Goa Meat Complex will be operational all day on Dec 25. We assure that there will be no shortage of beef for Christmas in Goa. There is full cooperation of govt. The beef eaters of Goa need not worry about the availability of beef as we will fulfill the requirement.”


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