Eid al-Adha: DM of Sambhal bans sacrificial slaughter in public places

Sambhal district magistrate Rajender Pensiya on Tuesday, 3 June, announced that sacrificial slaughter will not be permitted in public places during Eid al-Adha (Bakra Eid) and assured strict action against anyone attempting to disturb public order.

A peace committee meeting, which included representatives from areas where Eid prayers will be conducted, was held to discuss the arrangements.

“All stakeholders were consulted. Sacrifices will be allowed only at 19 pre-identified sites. No public or open space will be used for animal sacrifice,” Pensiya said at a press conference.

“. The administration will ensure proper arrangements for water, electricity and sanitation,” the DM said.

Religious leaders have been advised to complete the sacrificial rituals by 3 p.m. between 7 and 9 June and issued a warning against uploading videos of animals being sacrificed on social media.

In Maharashtra, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had chaired a review meeting on 2 June to assess preparations for Bakra Eid and asserted that strict law and order measures were in place across the state.

This meeting took place after the issued an advisory last week instructing all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to suspend livestock markets between 3 and 8 June — which implies no sale of goats, sheep or buffaloes either, not just a direction against beef, which is a standing prohibition.

In Maharashtra, the slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks, regardless of age or condition, is prohibited. Possession of their meat is also a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali has issued an advisory to Muslims saying "sacrifice of only those animals should take place on which there are no bans".

He said that the sacrifice can take place on 7, 8 or 9 June. "Like always, sacrifice of only those animals should take place on which there are no bans and efforts should be made to maintain cleanliness at the place of sacrifice. Animal sacrifices should not be held at open places,” Khalid Rasheed said in the advisory.

Rasheed asked the faithful to not click any photograph or shoot any video, nor upload any to social media.

He also appealed to people to pray for peace in the country and for the safety of the Army personnel defending India’s borders.

With PTI inputs