A day after BJP leader Satya Ranjan Borah’s demonstration outside the Assam State Zoo demanding that the practise of feeding beef to animals in captivity be stopped, Assam Forest Minister, Parimal Suklabaidya, on Tuesday said that there is no use of creating an uproar over the issue. He added that he has spoken with a few scientists about the alternative foods that can be provided to the animals.

“I have spoken with a few scientists on the possibility and consequences of providing the animals, meat other than beef. No use of creating an uproar over the issue,” news agency ANI quoted Suklabaidya as saying.

The BJP leader, along with 30 others, also prevented a van carrying beef from entering the zoo premises.

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“They can’t survive on mutton or pork alone, could’ve been given buffalo meat instead of beef but we don’t have many buffaloes in Assam. We float tenders to get beef, buffalo meat, mutton, pork,” the minister added.

“Their demand is fair up to an extent, that our cattle population should increase. But if we’ve to keep our wildlife alive & healthy, we’ll have to provide them food as per their diet chart,” the minister added.

Animals are fed as per their needs and food habits which are determined after conducting studies. If the CZA modifies the animals’ diet as per the demands of the agitators, the zoo authorities are ready to comply, a senior official of the Assam State Zoo had earlier said.