Activists demand closure of meat shops during Navratra

EARLIER, THE ACTIVISTS GATHERED AT THE OFFICE OF AGRA NAGAR NIGAM EARLY ON TUESDAY MORNING

AGRA: Two Agra-based right wing outfits —Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh and Dharam Jagran Manch — on Tuesday demanded closure of all meat shops on Ram Navmi and those near temples during Navratra days in city.

The activists of these outfits staged a road jam and forced the Nagar Nigam officials to accept their memorandum and enforce the closure. However, they were told that since it was a holiday, their demands could not be implemented immediately.

“The decision regarding closure of shops would be taken in tune with past tradition. If the shops were being closed during Navratra in the past, they would be closed,” said Anil Kumar, Agra’s deputy municipal commissioner.

Earlier, the activists gathered at the office of Agra Nagar Nigam early on Tuesday morning.

When told that it was a holiday, activists claimed that they had informed the officials in advance and hence they should be present to receive the memorandum.

Police, followed by NN officials, rushed to the spot when the activists blocked the all-busy Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Reminding that pieces of meat were thrown on Ganesh idol on their way to immersion, the activists said repeat of such incidence could lead to dangerous consequences.

“We have told the administration to ensure that incidents like the one that took place during Ganesh Visarjan were not repeated,” said Nand Kishore Valmiki, Braj Prant Sanyojak from Dharam Jagran Manch.

Known for his inflammatory speeches, Valmiki told media that if such incidents were repeated during Navratra, he would lead a protest to Jama Masjid armed with some animal flesh.

It may be recalled that Valmiki was arrested for his role in tricked conversion in Agra last December.