Cattle market empties as fear grips Eid preparations in India’s West Bengal
Summary
The Dhulagarh cattle market near Kolkata, India, is nearly empty just before the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha, as buyers avoid purchasing cattle due to fear of strict government rules and violence. This change follows recent elections where the Hindu-majority Bharatiya Janata Party took control in West Bengal and enforced tougher laws on cattle slaughter.Key Facts
- The Dhulagarh cattle market is usually busy before Eid al-Adha, an important Muslim festival involving cattle sacrifice.
- This year, over 200 cattle are unsold, and few buyers are visiting due to fear.
- West Bengal has about 25 million Muslims, or 27% of its population.
- A 1950 law bans public cattle slaughter unless a government official approves and it is done in approved facilities.
- After the BJP party won the May 2024 state election, the new government ordered strict enforcement of this law.
- The BJP is known for Hindu nationalist policies and has been linked to violence against Muslim cattle traders in India.
- Beef sales and trade have dropped sharply in West Bengal; some restaurants have stopped selling beef products.
- The cattle market's usual Hindu sellers are struggling financially due to unsold livestock and fear of reprisals.
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