Don't sacrifice prohibited animals, says Darul Uloom

Apparently, keeping in view the lynching incidents in different parts of the country, the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom, Deoband, has appealed to Muslims not to sacrifice prohibited animals on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid).

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed its officials to ensure that there is no slaughter of cows and its progeny and take stern action against those who did so.

Darul Uloom has released a booklet containing religious diktats pertaining to sacrifice of animals on the occasion of Bakrid, which would be celebrated on Thursday.

''The Muslims, while celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, must take into consideration the feelings of their fellow countrymen... They must not do anything that in any way hurts sentiments,'' says the booklet.

The seminary had earlier issued a 'fatwa' (religious decree) against sacrificing cows.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose government had cracked down on illegal slaughterhouses after assuming charge in March last year, on Sunday held a meeting with district police chiefs and directed them to ensure that there was no slaughter of banned animals anywhere in the state.

The police are on alert as this year Bakrid would be celebrated during the ongoing 'kanwar yatra' (the annual pilgrimage taken by Hindus, who carry the Ganga water in earthen pitchers and offer the same to Lord Shiva during the Hindu month of Shravana).

''No new precedent should be allowed under any circumstances,'' the chief minister told the police.