Open letter raises concern about ‘irrational attacks on food habits and nutrition rights of citizens’

A group of 112 like-minded citizens, including doctors, nutritionists, advocates, researchers apart from six organisations, have written an open letter raising concerns about the recent ‘irrational attacks on the food habits and nutrition rights of citizens’. Cattle slaughter bans have also adversely affected all those who depend on the cattle trade and dealt a debilitating blow to the livestock, leather and meat economy,” the letter stated. Pointing out that the recent events in Karnataka have taken this harassment to new heights, the letter said: “It comes at a time when Muslims across Karnataka have been at the receiving end of various bans called for by right-wing groups, adding to the growing polarisation in the southern State under the BJP government. Residents of districts like Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, and even Bengaluru, witnessed communally charged incidents as right-wing groups continue to impose restrictions on Muslim traders, adding to tensions in the State.” Veena Shatruga, former scientist at the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, who is one among those who have endorsed the letter, said calls for bans and boycotts affect many communities that are already on the economic brink.