Days after HC order, J&K BJP leader organises beef party to spread the 'message of tolerance'

Over the past week, a series of meat bans has sparked controversy in BJP-ruled states, sharply dividing public opinion. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, a BJP leader has taken the initiative to throw a ‘beef party’, which is said to be to spread the message of tolerance. [caption id=“attachment_2432942” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Image courtesy: AFP[/caption] The Times of India has quoted the leader, Khurshid Ahmed Malik, as saying that he will organise a party for both Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims will be served beef while the Hindus will be served an exclusively vegetarian meal, he is reported to have said. Malik had unsuccessfully contested Assembly elections from Kokernag in the southern part of the state. To a question about whether he had the approval of his party for the initiative, The Indian Express has quoted the leader as saying that it had nothing to do with the political party. However, his initiative raises questions over whether it perpetuates stereotypes about food habits associated with religion. A study reported in The Hindu finds that only 31 percent of the population are vegetarians. Only 21 percent of families are vegetarians, with all members identifying themselves as such. This indicates that a large number of Hindus do eat meat. Last week, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court imposed a stay on the sale of beef across the state. This was in response to a public interest litigation claiming that the practice of the slaughter of bovine animals was against the law, but was continuing without any restrictions.