india

Updated: May 22, 2015 01:16 IST

Minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday justified the ban on cow slaughter and asked all those who wanted to eat beef to go to Pakistan.

"It is not about loss or profit... it is an issue of faith and belief. It is a sensitive issue for the Hindus," Naqvi said at 'Manthan' conclave organised by TV channel Aaj Tak. "Those who are dying without eating beef, can go to Pakistan or Arab countries or any other part of world where it is available," he said.

"Even Muslims are against it..." he said.

Naqvi was countered by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi who asked whether the central government would impose blanket ban on beef across India, especially in states such as Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala where a large number of people eat this kind of meat.

On the issue of backwardness among Muslims, Naqvi said the Narendra Modi government was taking steps to eradicate poverty among the minorities.

"It is a fact that Muslims have remained away from development. Various social security schemes started by our government would help Muslims in a big way," he added.

On controversial statements against Muslims by BJP MPs like Sakshi Maharaj and Yogi Adityanath, Naqvi said they were "isolated voices" which should not be taken seriously.