Bakri Eid: Waris Pathan urges CM Uddhav to ease restrictions on transportation of animals

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan has appealed Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to immediately issue orders to allow entry of trucks ferrying goats into state for Muslim buyers to mark Eid-al-Adha or Bakri Eid. 

In last few days, reports have surfaced on social media of trucks and or transport vehicles loaded with goats being stuck on state borders after Maharashtra Police didn't allow m permission to enter. Reports suggest that a lack of clarity on protocol allowing livestock to enter from or states amid Coronavirus pandemic is one of prime reasons for hurdle.

As per Maharashtra government guidelines, people have been asked to offer prayers at home on Eid and purchase sacrificial animals online or over phone. Moreover, Muslims have been advised to preferably perform animal sacrifice ritual 'symbolically'.

In a video statement posted on Twitter, Waris Pathan said, "Eid-al-Adha falls on August 1 and people have booked animals online for sacrifice after Maharashtra government allowed it. w vehicles carrying those animals are reportedly stuck at state borders as Maharashtra Police is t allowing m to enter. People are concerned. Videos have surfaced showing dead goats in trucks. Sellers and buyers will both suffer losses. I, refore, request you (Uddhav) to immediately issue orders to allow entry of those trucks. People of state are hopeful that you ensure y don't suffer losses and goats don't die in those trucks."

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Muslim leaders demand relaxation

Former Maharashtra Minister and Congress leader Naseem Khan had earlier written to Maharashtra CM to call an urgent meeting for reviewing Eid guidelines. Observing that Qurbani (animal sacrifice) cant be done symbolically, he said it was impractical for most people to buy goats online. He contended that present guidelines interfere in religious affairs of Muslims. Ar Congress MLA Amin Patel also alleged that se guidelines had hurt public sentiments. 

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