By Priya Pareek
Panaji: Just days before Christmas, a statewide shutdown by Goa’s beef vendors has disrupted the festive supply chain, leaving bakeries, cafes, and eateries scrambling to meet demands for traditional Goan snacks. The closure follows a clash between meat traders and cow vigilantes in Margao last week, where three vendors were injured, escalating tensions.
The beef vendor shutdown has had a significant impact on the culinary sector in Goa, especially during a season when demand for beef-based snacks like croquettes, pan rolls, and patties peaks. Agapito Menezes, president of the All Goa Bakers Association, highlighted the challenges, stating, “We did not get any beef supply on Monday. The unavailability directly translates into losses for us.”
Eateries such as the Tea Centre in Panaji have had to halt the sale of beef-based savouries, resorting to selling Christmas sweets instead. Proprietor Floyd Pereira expressed concern about the disruption: “Sales of beef patties have stopped over the past few days. We’re uncertain about the impact this will have on festive preparations.”
What Led To Beef Shops Shutdown?
The conflict that led to the shutdown began at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market complex in Margao when members of a cow vigilante group accused vendors of illegalities, intercepted beef deliveries, and clashed with traders. The altercation led to fears for the safety of traders and prompted the Quraishi Meat Traders Association to stage the strike.
“We are running legal operations but face constant harassment. The cow vigilantes are not protecting animals; they are extorting us under the guise of religion,” said Shabbir Shaikh, vice-president of the association. The group has called for security measures and a meeting with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to address their concerns.
This story was originally published in timesnownews.com. Read the full story here.