FWD: India's leather industry fears cow slaughter ban

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Saturday, August 23, 2003

India's leather industry fears cow slaughter ban

 

CALCUTTA, India (AP) - India's leather industry, already under fire from

animal-rights activists for its primitive hiding techniques, is troubled by the

ruling party's efforts to ban the slaughter of cows nationwide.

 

The cow is revered and worshipped by many of India's Hindus, who make up more

than 85 percent of the population.

 

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party,

which heads the federal coalition, is pushing for a ban on cow slaughter despite

objections from opposition groups as well as partners in the ruling coalition.

 

On Thursday, the BJP's allies forced it to defer a bill banning cow slaughter

nationwide, but the party said it will try again.

 

Currently, only state governments can impose such a ban under India's secular

constitution.

 

Hindu nationalists have been pressing for a nationwide ban, although the country

has more than 120 million Muslims and 20 million Christians, as well as less

observant Hindus who eat beef.

 

Leather producers say they fear continuing pressure from Hindu nationalists in

the run-up to state elections at year-end and national elections next year.

 

"Production and exports will be adversely affected if the ban is implemented,''

S.S. Kumar, chairman of the Indian Leather Products Association, said Friday.

 

He said already declining export figures could fall further if production is

hampered.

 

Meanwhile, some international clothing brands have stopped buying Indian leather

following complaints by animal-rights activists.

 

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals says it hasn't singled out the Indian

leather industry but has also campaigned against global food chains like

McDonald's because "their slaughtering methods were also cruel.''

 

India's leather exports are valued at US$2 billion a year, and the industry

employs about 2.5 million people. - AP

 

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