MNS wants meat shops open during Paryushan

MUMBAI: After dahi handi, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is focusing on Paryushan (the fasting period for the Jain community) during which mutton and chicken

MUMBAI: After dahi handi, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is focusing on Paryushan (the fasting period for the Jain community) during which mutton and chicken shops in the city are closed for two days.

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The state and civic authorities had announced Deonar abattoir as well as meat shops will be shut on Monday and September 5 on account of Paryushan. The party on Monday forcibly opened the meat shops in Dadar, saying the Jain community was being appeased at the cost of Maharashtrians.

“Why should we be deprived of our food because the Jains are fasting,” asked MNS corporator Sandeep Deshpande. “We forcibly opened all mutton and chicken shops in Dadar market to send out a message that we will not be cowed down by such pressure tactics,” said Deshpande.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, however, ruled out any prohibition on the sale of meat. Idzes Kundan, additional municipal commissioner, said, “The high court has stayed the ban on the sale of meat, so we are not forcing shop owners to close their shops.”

The MNS, however, claimed the BMC was acting under pressure from the Jain lobby. BJP legislator Raj Purohit, who demanded the ban, said: “It is basically to respect the religious sentiments of Jains and those who love animals. The MNS is unnecessarily diverting the topic as we never interfered with the food habits but just wanted closure of slaughter houses and not shops selling meat.”