A group of people, purported to be members of the Shiv Sena, have reportedly warned meat shops and non vegetarian eateries in Gurugram to shut shop for the nine-day Navratri period.
The protesters targeted shops in the Sadar Bazar area on 28 March and establishments in the DLF, Sushant Lok, Sohna Road and Badshahpur areas, Hindustan Times reported. According to reports, a KFC outlet in Sector 14 was also targeted.
The move comes on the heels of the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. According to reports, the shops in question have also been ordered to keep their shutters up on all Tuesdays.
Ritu Raj, who claimed to be Shiv Sena’s district spokesperson, told the daily:
A number of Hindus keep fast on Navratri and on Tuesday of every week. It does not feel good to see meat being sold and served on these days. Most of shopkeepers have supported the move and we consulted those who resisted.
Shopkeepers are reportedly mulling approaching the police over the issue. “We are discussing with other shopkeepers and may make a police complaint,” a shopkeeper at Pataudi Road told the daily.
A police spokesperson from Gurugram has said that no complaint has been received on the matter yet but action will be taken against those who force shopkeepers to shut shop in violation of the norms.
Many whose breads depend on slaughterhouses and meatshops are distressed for their livelihoods and families futures.
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