Criticising the BJP and Shiv Sena-led state government's ban on beef that was recently extended to bull and ox meat, the hardline All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is demanding similar curbs on pork and liquor.
Criticising the BJP and Shiv Sena-led state government's ban on beef that was recently extended to bull and ox meat, the hardline All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is demanding similar curbs on pork and liquor.
The party, led by the Owaisi brothers, said that since the ban on slaughter of bullocks was imposed to protect the religious sentiments of Hindus, the same logic could be extended to ban pork, which is considered unclean by Muslims.
"Our stand is clear, the cow is sacred for Hindus. No one should touch cows... But the bull slaughter ban is a harsh decision as lakhs depend on it, directly and indirectly, and these people will be hurt," said Imtiaz Jaleel, former journalist and AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad Central, adding that the leather and tanning industries would also be affected. Farmers who depend on sale of their livestock to raise liquid cash during emergencies, would also suffer, he said. "For Muslims, pork is not allowed. Does that mean pork will be banned?" he asked.
"The government is for Hindus, Muslims and Christians. It cannot protect the rights of just one community. Our sentiments too must be respected," said Jaleel. He pointed out that not just Muslims, but dalits, OBCs and adivasis considered beef a cheap source of protein.
"Which religion allows you to drink (liquor)? Ban liquor, that is more evil" demanded Jaleel, while adding that prohibition was related to the welfare of society at large.
While the killing of cows and calves (male and female) is already banned under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 1995, approved during the tenure of the erstwhile Shiv Sena-BJP led state government, had sought to extend it to bulls and bullocks. President Pranab Mukherjee granted his assent to the bill which has been pending since 1996. Offenders risk a fine of Rs 10,000 and five years in jail.
"The state government took a decision which would snatch livelihoods of lakhs without any alternate plan for them. The government must subsidise mutton and chicken, and bring it at par with beef rates so that the poor get a protein-rich diet, It must increase business and employment," demanded the former journalist.
The AIMIN is led by Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi and his younger brother and Telengana MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, who is known for his communally charged speeches.
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