Ban on sale of meat on April 14 opposed

BANGALORE: Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s decision to ban the sale of meat on April 14 on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanthi has kicked up yet another controversy. On February 1, the Animal Husbandry Department (BBMP) had issued a circular stating that sale of meat would be banned on 9 days in a year, including on Ambedkar Jayanthi, and stern action would be taken against meat vendors, if they are found selling meat.Samatha Sainik Dal leader Venkataswamy condemned the state government stating, “Food habits of each person varies and the state government should not intervene and curb such basic rights of people. It is a foolish  decision.”Kannada filmmaker Agni Shridhar said, “This order aims to weaken the minority group’s financial status and Muslims in particular are being targeted. We will consume meat before Ambedkar’s statue near Vidhana Soudha urging the government to withdraw its order.”He added, “We will organise a biryani party and invite Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda to join us. This is to show that minority communities strongly condemn the new order. If the decision is not taken back, then we will continue our protests.”Animal Husbandry joint director Parvez Ahmed Piran, said, “This order was proposed earlier as well. If people have problems then they can approach the government and ask for a ban.”