Several Indian states have opposed the federal government's decision to ban the sale of cattle for slaughter. West Bengal in eastern India and Kerala in the south said they would not follow the "arbitrary" order which bans the sale of cattle at livestock markets. The federal government said the order was aimed at "preventing uncontrolled and unregulated animal trade". But critics say the move is aimed at protecting cows, considered holy by India's majority Hindu population. West Bengal and Kerala are among several Indian states where beef is part of local cuisine. Read more
