Delhi: Meat Shop Mischief
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2022-04-07 09:07:38
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If the hijab row, halal meat row and Muslim traders in temple complexes row in Karnataka and the azaan loudspeaker row in Maharashtra were not enough, another front has been opened against Muslims in Delhi as the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) mayor Mukesh Suryan wrote to the municipal commissioner asking for a ban on the opening of meat shops (most meat shops are owned by Muslims) under SDMC jurisdiction for 9 days during the Navratri festival as it hurts the religious beliefs and sentiments of people who observe fasts and refrain from eating meat on these days. Although both the SDMC and the veterinary department have denied that any official order has been issued to close the meat shops, shop owners have kept the shutters down fearing a backlash.
This is pure mischief mongering on part of mayor Suryan. Meat shops have kept open during Navratri for ages (although some shops do close down during this period, as also on Tuesdays every week, as business is low). How come the mayor received complaints from people this year? Further, how are meat-eating people saying that their sentiments are hurt on these 9 days? Then what about the millions across India who are vegetarians? By that token, meat shops should be permanently shut down as it hurts the sentiments of vegetarians to see meat hanging in shops.
For lakhs who keep fasts during Navratri and do not eat meat, there are other lakhs who do eat meat on these days. How can the mayor deprive them of the same by ordering to keep the shops closed? These controversies divide communities. The government should take stern action against these people who throw these thunderbolts out of nowhere and disturb peace in society. Meat eaters across India are not offended if meat shops are kept open on festival days (the prime example being West Bengal during Durga Puja). Are some people in Delhi special?
