Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 25: Ahead of the upcoming Bakri Eid festival, Pyare Khan on Monday urged members of the Muslim community in Maharashtra to strictly comply with the ban on cow slaughter, while praising Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the state government’s measures on cow protection.

Khan described the government’s action as a “commendable step” and said stringent action would be taken against all those involved in illegal cattle trade and slaughter activities.

“This is a very commendable step by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Previously, a particular community would come to me and complain about injustice being done to them. But under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), action will be taken against everyone involved, whether they are sellers, buyers, or slaughterers,” he said.

Khan also referred to historical and religious aspects while discussing the issue.

“In 1948, when the Constitutional Convention was underway, ZH Lari was the first to speak out on cow protection, saying that cows should be protected in this country,” he noted.

He further said Islamic teachings encourage people to follow the laws of the land where they live.

“In Islam, too, there is a rule that you must obey the rules of the place where you live. Cow slaughter is banned in Maharashtra, so all members of the Muslim community must abide by it,” he added.

Appealing for communal harmony, Khan said sacrifices during Bakri Eid should not create inconvenience for others.

“Our sacrifice should be such that it doesn't cause any inconvenience to anyone else. The government has issued instructions to all collectors, officials and the municipal commissioner. Slaughterhouses have been allocated to perform the sacrifice. We must cooperate with the administration and the police,” he said.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Fadnavis had announced that the state government invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act for the first time against offences related to cow smuggling, illegal cattle transportation and illegal slaughterhouses.

He asserted that the move would stand legal scrutiny and warned that strict action would be taken against violators.

“For the first time, we have implemented the MCOCA law, and I believe it will be completely justified in court. If anyone does this, MCOCA will be invoked against them,” Fadnavis had said.