Ahead of Eid al-Adha on June 7, BJP MLA from Loni, Nand Kishor Gurjar, has written to the Ghaziabad police demanding a ban on animal slaughter, meat shops, and slaughterhouse operations near Hindon Airport. In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari, Gurjar raised concerns over potential bird strikes that could endanger aircraft, as well as possible threats to communal harmony in the area.
Citing a past survey by former Loni Nagar Palika executive officer D.K. Rai, Gurjar noted that the Loni area, being in close proximity to Hindon Airport, falls under a no-slaughter zone according to aviation safety norms. He further claimed that any violation of this ordinance amounts to “treason.”
The MLA also referenced a previous crash involving an Indian Air Force aircraft in the region and alleged that party workers had received information suggesting a large number of animals, possibly including cows, could be slaughtered during Eid—a development he warned could escalate tensions.
Gurjar invoked the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to support his plea and appealed to the Muslim community to adopt what he described as a more “progressive” and “eco-friendly” approach to celebrating the festival. He suggested that, as was reportedly done last year, people could mark the occasion by cutting cakes shaped like goats instead of performing animal sacrifices.
He added that BJP workers, with the help of drones, would monitor the area to ensure compliance. Gurjar, who has previously drawn criticism for delivering hate speeches targeting Muslims, reiterated his concerns about maintaining peace in the sensitive Loni constituency.
