Tension flared in the Mira Road area near Mumbai on Tuesday after clashes broke out near the Poonam Cluster Society over the presence of goats inside the residential premises ahead of Bakrid celebrations. According to reports, some residents objected to goats being kept within the housing complex in Thane for ritual sacrifice during Eid Al-Adha, triggering protests that later escalated into a confrontation. Heavy police deployment was made in the area to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order.
Political Reactions and Proposed Ban
The protest assumes significance as Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde and several BJP leaders have urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to issue a circular enforcing a blanket ban on goat sacrifice in housing societies and chawls during Bakrid. Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya recently held a meeting with the mayor, civic standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde, BJP's leader in BMC Ganesh Khankar, and civic garden committee chairman Hetal Gala. Following the meeting, the elected representatives reportedly wrote to BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide seeking restrictions on animal sacrifice in residential premises.
Community Leaders' Concerns
Muslim community leaders, however, cautioned that any such circular could trigger law and order problems and heighten communal tensions during the festival period. They emphasized the need for dialogue and mutual respect to avoid further escalation. The situation remains tense as authorities monitor the area closely.
