Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said protecting the food habits and language of the Northeast is among the centre's top priorities. The announcement comes at a time when Assam's proposed cattle protection law threatens the availability of beef in other Northeastern states. The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government recently tabled The Assam Cattle Preservation Bill in the Assembly. As per the legislation, transport of cattle will not be allowed through Assam without a valid permit. Once implemented, the law may hit supplies to the Northeastern states where beef is consumed.