Nagaland Government Denies Permission for 'Gau Mahasabha'

The Nagaland government has decided not to allow the 'Gau Mahasabha' in Kohima, citing public order concerns. The decision was influenced by opposition from civil society organizations and political parties. The Cabinet emphasized protection under the Constitution for the religious and social practices of the Nagas.

The Nagaland government has decided not to grant permission for the ‘Gau Mahasabha’ scheduled on September 28 in Kohima, informed a senior minister on Wednesday.

Slated to be presided over by Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, Swami Avimukteshvaranand Saraswati, the event faced opposition in Christian-majority Nagaland, where beef constitutes a significant part of the diet for most residents.

The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, according to government spokesperson and minister C L John. The Cabinet emphasized protecting the religious and social practices of the Nagas under Article 371A of the Constitution and Naga customary law, John added.

Political entities, including the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and its allies BJP, along with the Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) and civil society organizations such as the Naga Mothers’ Association and Naga Students’ Federation, voiced their opposition.

Minister John stated, “The Cabinet decided not to grant permission for the programme to maintain public order,” and urged the organizers not to proceed with plans in Nagaland. The BJP also supported this stance, stressing the importance of considering Nagaland's socio-religious and cultural context.