The Assam Assembly on Friday passed the Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021 aimed at regulating slaughter, consumption and transportation of cattle in the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after introducing the bill in the house,  pointed out that the legislation seeks to ensure that permission wasn't granted to areas that are predominantly inhabited by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and other non-beef eating communities or places that fall within five- kilometre radius of a temple, satra or any other institution as maybe prescribed by the authorities. He said that exemptions might be granted for certain religious occasions. The opposition parties demanded the bill to be sent to the Select Committee. But when their demand was rejected, opposition Congress, AIUDF and CMI P legislators walked out. After that , the bill was passed on voice vote.<br />'' <br />