In Jharkhand’s tribal belt, there is simmering anger over the cow slaughter law, even two decades after it came into effect. The law, passed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2005, is seen as a direct affront to the cultural identity of the Adivasis, whose traditions have long included cattle slaughter and beef consumption. The Adivasis’ anger over the erosion of their culture is directed not just at the BJP, but also at the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
