The Rampurhat Municipality in Birbhum district has directed two meat shops situated on the city’s Court Lane to remain closed for two days during the Chhath Puja festival. According to a notification issued on November 13 by municipal chairman Soumen Bhakat, the outlets are required to remain shut until 10 am on November 15 and 16.
Mr. Bhakat stated that the decision was taken following objections raised by locals during a meeting attended by police, local officials, and the area's MLA. “There are two shops in front of the court where animals are slaughtered and meat is sold openly on the roadside,” he told reporters, noting that school children also frequent the road. He added that the shops may resume regular operations after 10 am on these days, provided they adhere to prescribed conditions. The municipality has also instructed meat vendors to ensure that meat is covered with red or black cloth on other days.
The order has drawn criticism from local stakeholders and political figures. Noor Ali Sheikh, one of the affected shopkeepers, told reporters that he received a notice without prior consultation, noting that the closure on a Sunday would impact his business.
Opposition leaders have also voiced their dissent. Sanjib Mallick of the CPI(M) alleged the move is an attempt to alter regional cultural identities, while Congress leader Milton Rashid argued that such restrictions are insulting to the people of rural Bengal. Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh also weighed in, stating that religious practices should not be enforced on others and that eating habits remain a personal choice.
Key facts
- Two meat shops on Court Lane were ordered to close until 10 am on November 15 and 16.
- The directive was issued on November 13 by Rampurhat municipal chairman Soumen Bhakat.
- The order applies specifically to shops located on the Chhath Puja procession route.
- Shopkeepers are now required to cover meat with red or black cloth when operating on other days.
Why it matters
The directive has sparked a debate over the balance between local religious observances and the operation of businesses. While municipal officials cited public sentiment and the proximity of the shops to a festival procession route, opposition figures have questioned whether similar mandates are applied consistently across different religious festivals.
Source: Indian Express
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