Asaduddin Owaisi Critiques Meat Shop Closures on Independence Day: A Call for Freedom

Owaisi's Strong Opposition to Meat Shop Closures

Hyderabad: The President of AIMIM, Asaduddin Owaisi, has expressed his disapproval regarding the decision to shut down slaughterhouses and meat shops on Independence Day, labeling the action by municipal authorities as ‘callous’ and ‘unconstitutional’.

On Wednesday, Owaisi took to social media platform ‘X’ to voice his concerns over the directives issued by various municipal corporations, questioning the rationale behind linking meat consumption with Independence Day celebrations.

He stated, “Numerous municipal corporations across the nation have mandated the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15. Regrettably, the GHMC has followed suit. This is both callous and unconstitutional.”

Owaisi further questioned, “What is the relationship between consuming meat and commemorating Independence Day? A significant majority, about 99%, of the population in Telangana consumes meat. These prohibitions infringe upon individuals' rights to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion.”

The GHMC has already mandated the closure of cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef outlets on August 15 and 16, coinciding with Independence Day and Janmastami, respectively.

This directive was issued under section 533 (b) of the GHMC Act, 1955.

The GHMC Commissioner has communicated this order to the Police Commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda.

All veterinary officers, assistant directors, and deputy directors within the veterinary department have been instructed to ensure adherence to this order. Additionally, Zonal Commissioners, Additional Commissioners of GHMC, the Managing Director of the Telangana State Sheep and Goat Development Cooperative Federation, and the Director of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department have also received these directives.

Similar measures have been enacted by municipal authorities in Mumbai. Abu Azmi, the president of the Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit and an MLA, has condemned the decision to close meat shops in Kalyan-Dombivli on Independence Day.

He remarked, “I vehemently oppose this law. August 15 marks Independence Day, a day when people liberated themselves from oppression. On this very day, you wish to impose a law that restricts people’s freedoms? What will individuals consume? If this is justified, then all hotels should be closed too. Small business owners will be compelled to shut down.”