Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Ahead of Bakrid, the All-India Jamiatul Quresh and several Muslim clerics have appealed to community members and law enforcement agencies to ensure that cattle slaughter bans are enforced “in letter and spirit” not just during Eid, but throughout the year. They also demanded a complete ban on beef export companies and recognition of the cow as a national animal.
Year-Round Enforcement Demanded
In a joint appeal, the organisation, which represents the cattle and beef trading community, stated that illegal cattle slaughter should not be viewed only through a festival or communal lens, but should be addressed comprehensively throughout the year. Senior cleric Iqbal Ahmed Ansari said, “Muslims should strictly follow the law of the land, and avoid slaughter of prohibited animals during Eid. We appeal to the police and district administrations to take uniform action against illegal cattle transportation and slaughter, irrespective of religion or community.”
Illegal Networks and Beef Export Companies
Mohammed Javed Qureshi, the state working president of All-India Jamiatul Quresh, alleged, “Large-scale illegal diversion of cattle is taking place through organised networks, and major beef exporting companies are earning huge profits from animals allegedly procured illegally from local markets and rural areas.” He added that restrictions on cattle slaughter have impacted farmers economically, forcing distress sales to such networks. Mohammed Arif Choudhary, Jamiatul’s state president, said, “The focus always comes on common people during Eid. But the real beneficiaries are large beef export companies making crores through illegal cattle diversion and slaughter. If the government is serious, then strict action and a complete ban should first be imposed on such companies.”
Call for National Animal Status
The clerics and trader representatives also urged the Centre to grant the cow national animal status, saying it would send a strong message against illegal slaughter and violence linked to cow protection. At the same time, Muslim leaders raised concerns over rising incidents of cow vigilantism and alleged harassment of cattle traders, transporters and farmers, urging that self-styled vigilante groups refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Support for Farmers and Stray Cattle
Dr Abdul Rashid Madni, the deputy Ameer-E-Shariat of Marathwada, said, “The biggest burden today is on poor farmers. Once cattle grow old, stop giving milk or are no longer useful for tilling and farm work, farmers are left helpless. The government should purchase such cattle from farmers and create proper shelter and upkeep systems.” The leaders added that those claiming to protect cows should instead assist authorities in maintaining abandoned cattle, while flagging the growing stray cattle menace that damages crops and affects farmers. They called for a long-term government policy on rehabilitation and upkeep of cattle.
