Hyderabad, June 16: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has issued a directive mandating the closure of all cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef shops within its jurisdiction on June 17 and 18, 2024, coinciding with the Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) festival. The order, issued under Section 533 (b) of the GHMC Act, 1955, has sparked significant concern among the Muslim community.
Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic festival, is marked by the ritual sacrifice of animals, with many Muslim families opting to sacrifice cattle due to affordability. For these families, access to beef is essential for their religious observance. Additionally, the festival significantly boosts the local economy and ensures that meat is distributed to the needy, highlighting its socio-economic importance.
A local Muslim resident, expressing his frustration, questioned the logic behind the directive: “Bakrid is a day of sacrifice, and many of us who cannot afford goats or sheep rely on cattle. How can the government order the closure of beef shops on a day so integral to our religious practices? This decision not only disregards our religious sentiments but also creates undue hardship for many families. Moreover, the festival supports the economy and provides meat to those in need.”
The directive, issued by the GHMC Commissioner, has been addressed to the Commissioners of Police for Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda, urging them to ensure compliance and assist municipal staff in enforcing the closure.
Community leaders and residents are calling for a reconsideration of the order, arguing that it undermines their ability to observe Bakrid properly. They urge the authorities to recognize the cultural and religious significance of the festival, its economic benefits, and the necessity of beef shops remaining open during this period.
The GHMC’s decision has also been communicated to various veterinary and municipal officials to ensure widespread dissemination and enforcement. However, the affected community hopes for a swift resolution that respects their religious practices while maintaining civic order.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, the Muslim community in Hyderabad remains hopeful that their voices will be heard and that an amicable solution will be reached, allowing the festival to proceed with its full economic and charitable impact.
