State may ban export of meat

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, APRIL 6. The Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna, on Friday indicated that the Government had an open mind on banning export of meat from the State, apart from taking steps for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Responding to suggestions from the Jain Yuva Samaj at the inauguration of the 2,600th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagavan Mahaveer, the 24th Theerthankara of Jainism here, Mr. Krishna, said he would invite representatives of the Jain community for a discussion on the matter, which had been agitating the Jains for several years.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Mr. K.H. Srinivasa, suggested to the Chief Minister to enact a legislation to prevent cruelty to animals and provide legal status to animal welfare organisations.

Expressing support for the demands of the Jain Yuva Samaj, Mr. Srinivasa said the legislation on prevention of cruelty to animals was of no use due to its ``simple'' provisions. The Jains' demands had not been made in the interests of any particular community, but for public welfare, he said and added that Karnataka could set an example for other States in this regard. Inaugurating the celebrations, Mr. Krishna exhorted people to rise above communal feelings, shed selfishness and work for the betterment of humanity. They should remember personalities who propagated peace and non-violence.

He noted that while all religions stressed compassion and peace, it was Bhagavan Mahaveer who taught the people the importance of non-violence to all living beings along with other virtues.

The Chief Minister said that though Jainism took its birth in North India, it was closely associated with Karnataka through its first Theerthankara, Vrishabhadeva, and his two sons - Bharata and Bahubali. It was Kannadigas' belief in peace and compassion which made them hold Jainism in high regard, he felt.

Mr. Krishna noted that even during the barbaric middle ages, such wanton destruction as that of huge statues of the Buddha in Afghanistan had not been witnessed. However, such action could not destroy the thoughts propagated by personalities such as the Buddha, which were ingrained in the minds of the people, he said.

In his introductory address, the president of the Jain Yuva Samaj, Mr. Premkumar Kothari, urged the State Government to ban export of meat, set up a research centre for Jainism, establish Jainology Chairs in universities, introduce lessons on Jainism in primary school textbooks; and ban abortion in public interest.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Jagadish Shettar, said the practice of according the status of heroes to persons indulging in violence should be stopped. He hoped that the celebrations would pave the way for thoughts that could drive out anti-social elements in society.

An ``abhisheka'' of a Mahaveer statue was performed. The statue will be installed at the Jain Centre at Parivala Gudda near Devanahalli, Bangalore Rural District.

The Minister for Home, Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge, presided over the function.

Vijayakalpa Jai Soorishwaraji, Dakshina Kesari Sthoola Bhadra Soorishwaraji, Swastishri Bhuvanakirti Bhattaraka Swamiji, the Minister of State for Kannada and Culture, Ms. Rani Satish, legislators from Bangalore, corporators and Jain seers were among those present.

The programme was organised by the Government of Karnataka and the Jain community.

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