With Bakri Eid just around the corner, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday has issued an order, forbidding the Namaz on Streets and banning animal sacrifice at undesignated places. It was stated that action would be taken if someone was found slaughtering animals forbidden for sacrificial rituals.
“The spot for sacrifice on Bakrid should be marked in advance. There should be no sacrifice at other spots. The sacrifice should not be made at disputed or sensitive places. Officials should ensure that banned animals are not sacrificed. A systematic action plan for the disposal of waste after sacrifice should be launched in all districts,” Yogi Adityanath was quoted as saying by news agency IANS
Bakri Eid Orders
According to the directive, all prayers should be conducted in mosques, eidgahs (open grounds for Eid prayers), or private residences. Similarly, the sacrifice of animals, a significant ritual during Bakri Eid, must only take place in officially designated areas approved by local authorities. The order also said If anyone tries to take the law into his own hands, then strict action should be taken against him.
Orders for Police
Police have been instructed to enforce these regulations strictly. Police officers will be stationed across the state to ensure compliance and a smooth flow of festivities. Authorities have also been asked to identify and publicize the designated areas for animal sacrifices well in advance to avoid any confusion among the public.
The Chief Minister has called on community leaders and religious organizations to cooperate with the administration and help spread awareness about these new directives.
The order also specified that Namaz should be offered at designated sites only, in accordance with prevailing traditions. Namaz should not be offered by blocking roads. While emphasising the need to respect faith, the order discouraged the encouragement of new traditions.
Reaction Of The Public
The public has expressed mixed reactions to this order. While some members of the community appreciate the move for its potential to maintain public order and cleanliness, others see it as an unnecessary restriction on religious practices.
Aslam Khan, a resident of Lucknow, shared his opinion, saying, “We understand the need for regulations, but there should be enough designated spots for sacrifices to accommodate everyone.”
