Hyderabad: Lynching in the name of “cattle smuggling and killing” has put cattle traders in a tight spot. Fearing illegal seizure of cattle by self-proclaimed “gau rakshaks” and their attacks, many traders are yet to decide on whether to business this Bakrid.
“Attacks are increasing every year and the losses are mounting. Several small traders have done away with the seasonal business for fear of incurring losses and police cases. Despite assurances, it continues,” said Mohd Muneer Qureshi, member, Jamiatul Quresh – Hyderabad said.
A meeting was held in Gujarat by the All India Jamiatul Quresh last week to discuss the present situation including lynching on the pretext of cow slaughter or smuggling. “Cow or Bull has become a political issue and our community now feels that we are being targeted to garner votes. Hence, we are treading cautiously,” said Muneer.
There are about 2.5 lakh members of the Qureshi community mostly engaged in trades associated with the cattle.
“Almost 50 per cent of the traders in the city have decided not to do business this year. The problem is that once the cattle is seized, it is handed over to gowshalas run by right wing organisations. The seizure is made by the police, so the government should hand it over to the Animal Husbandry department, but it is not so,” feels Muneer Qureshi.
The police set up posts and book cases under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act for overloading cattle.
