Qureshis fear attacks by vigilante groups

Hyderabad: Even as the Bakrid nears, it is tough time for livestock traders to even transport permitted animals. Each year during the season, the traders face hostility from vigilante groups and face huge losses in spite of having documentary support from the veterinary doctor and other officials.

The Jamiat-ul-Quresh, an umbrella group and closely knit community of meat traders, has demanded the State government support and police protection so that the transportation remains unhindered and they do not face losses. "Many festivals are being celebrated in Telangana and even government supports some of them by releasing funds and makes elaborate transportation facility on some other occasions.

Chief Minister being secular should ensure Muslims celebrate Eid peacefully and we, Jamiat-ul-Quresh, demand the State government support by engaging police teams during the transportation of livestock from other districts," demanded Mohammed Fareeduddin Qureshi, Jamiat State General Secretary.

Speaking to The Hans India, Jamiat-ul-Quresh state president Mohammed Moin Babu Choudary said that in the light of incidents which came to light across the nation, the Qureshis are apprehensive about transporting even those animals which are permitted for slaughter from states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

"For the last two months the traders have been facing tough time and even now during Bakid, transportation has become risky. We demand that the government take responsibility of supplying of permitted livestock like ox, buffalo and male buffalo etc., which are permitted by the animal husbandry department during the festival," he said.

Representations made for past three years

He also said that for last 3-years representations were also made to the City Commissioner of Police and on August 1 during review meeting organized in Salarjung museum again the representation was given regarding the issue. "By taking law in their own hands these members of vigilante groups are seizing our livestock, even after having all kinds of permissions. Some of the excuses remain that no fresh grass was being provided and the animals were properly transported etc," pointed out Dr Arif Mukarram, City General Secretary.

The Jamait has also giving regular representation for keeping open the slaughterhouses during Eid to the GHMC commissioner, as people from nearby areas can avail the facility and public places remain tidy.

"For around 10 years the slaughtering of big animals has been reduced. Now hardly around 400-500 big animals are being slaughtered in city. He also said that the population of big animals are also reduced in Telangana State, which not only impacting the Qureshis, but also farmers who raise livestock," Fareeduddin added.