Gujarat’s Muslim ghetto plans to set up cow shelter
Islam does not allow any kind of theft. Many groups are involved in stealing cows and then slaughtering them. We have asked community members to keep away from such elements
, the largest Muslim ghetto in Gujarat – has become one of the first localities to propose setting up a modern bovine shelter, 10 days after the state government made cow slaughter punishable with life imprisonment.
Juhapura, which is home to around five lakh Muslims, was set up in 1973 to rehabilitate flood victims in western Ahmedabad. The colony has attracted community members from every economic stratum.
In the run-up to the crucial assembly election to be held later this year, Juhapura residents have begun holding mohalla meetings against cow and calf slaughter. The campaign was also part of birth anniversary celebrations of Hazarat Ali, one of the biggest events celebrated by the community, on Monday.
Muslim leaders from the area said they have launched the campaign to prevent cow slaughter from becoming a rallying point for those indulging in “divisive politics”.
“We have written to the animal husbandry department about setting up a gaushala (cow shelter). Soon, our delegation will meet chief minister Vijay Rupani. Hopefully, we will be able to set up a shelter by the end of this year,” said Anwar Shiekh of the Muhibban-E-Ahlul Bait Foundation.
“Islam does not allow any kind of theft. Many groups are involved in stealing cows and then slaughtering them. We have asked community members to keep away from such elements,” said Imtiyaz Ladha, another leader.
Leaders said they will request the government as well as Jain groups that own unutilised land around Juhapura to allot space for the shelter. They plan to run the gaushala through a trust or NGO. “Besides, why let people indulging in divisive politics take advantage?” Anwar asked.
According to a report tabled by the Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) in March, nine slaughterhouses are located in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits.