During Eid-Al-Azha, animal sacrifice will only be permitted at 19 pre-identified sites across the district
SAMBHAL — Slaughtering of animals in open and public areas during Eid-Al-Azha festivities (starting 7 June) has been banned in the Uttar Pradesh city of Sambhal. Issuing the orders to this effect, the District Magistrate of the city, Rajender Pensiya, has directed religious leaders to facilitate the conclusion of the three-day sacrificial rituals by 3 pm.
Under the new restrictions, animal sacrifice will only be permitted at 19 pre-identified sites across the district. “All stakeholders were consulted. Sacrifices will be allowed only at the designated sites. No public or open spaces will be used for animal sacrifice,” an Observer Post report quoted him as saying.
Pensiya warned that any attempts to disrupt public order would face strict legal action.
During Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations in March-April, the administration in Sambhal imposed restrictions on Muslims offering prayers on the streets and in open spaces, citing communal tension and traffic congestion. The Muslim community claimed religious bias, maintaining that other non-Muslim gatherings of a similar nature are not restricted.
The administration is ensuring proper management of water, electricity, and sanitation during Eid festivities, said District Magistrate Pensiya.
Officials held a peace meeting, which was attended by leaders of all regions where Eid prayers are scheduled, to discuss and finalise the precautionary measures. The measures include a caution against uploading videos of slaughter or sacrifice on social media.
Pensiya further stated that preventive actions have been taken against approximately 900-950 individuals to maintain peace and order.
“Any attempt to breach the peace will be met with strict legal action,” he warned.
