“Will forcibly close meat shops”, Muslim traders seek protection from Police

Gurugram: Yet, again, Muslim meat traders are being boldly threatened across Gurugram by right-wing Hindutva groups with the Navaratri period that has begun today, is triggering safety concerns among Muslims butchers in the region.

According to reports, Sanyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti (SHSS) Gurugram, which represents 22 Hindu groups such as the Shiv Sena, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and the Hindu Sena, reportedly sent a letter to deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh stating they would not allow meat shops to run in this Navaratri, Tatkalnews reports.

“If any shop opens during Navratri we would close it ourselves. If any case happens due to it, we will take care of it,” said Gautam Saini, Shiv Sena district head.

He also said that his team of 500 people has also been informed to take care of the matters across the city in this Navratri.

Muslim traders in the region say they have earlier put up curtains on the direction of some of the Hindu groups, but, though that being done, they have now come to threaten us with dire consequences say the meat traders.

At one place, people also hung a poster in Hindi saying, “Best wishes for Navratri from the Muslim community”.

“We have put up curtains after they asked us to but despite this, now they have threatened us to shut shops during Navratri,” says Tahir Qureshi, the leader of the market.

He along with other traders sought Police protection but that is yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile Sumit Kuhar, DCP (crime), said the police will not allow anyone to forcibly shut any shop or bring harm to the Muslim community.