Muslim cleric Naqvi backs Varanasi meat, fish market relocation, seeks removal of liquor shops near pilgrimage sites
Lucknow, June 7
Muslim cleric Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi on Sunday supported the Varanasi Municipal Corporation's decision to shift meat and fish shops outside the city limits, saying similar restrictions should also apply to liquor shops near pilgrimage sites.
Speaking to ANI, Naqvi said places of worship and pilgrimage sites of all communities should be respected.
"I would go a step further and say that wherever there are pilgrimage sites, just as restrictions are placed on meat and fish, liquor shops should also be removed; they should be relocated outside the city," he said.
Naqvi said the issue of meat and non-vegetarian food should not be linked only to Muslims, pointing to broader consumption patterns in the country.
"Everyone ought to respect the places of worship and pilgrimage sites of any community. As for meat, fish, chicken, or non-vegetarian food, this issue should not be linked solely to Muslims," he said.
He further said that Muslims account for only a portion of meat consumption in India.
"If you look at the whole of India, Muslims constitute about 20 per cent of the population. Even if every single Muslim ate meat, that would account for only 20 per cent of non-vegetarian consumption. However, statistics indicate that 50-60 per cent of people consume meat. This implies that 30-35 per cent of people from other communities also eat meat," he added.
The remarks came after the Varanasi Municipal Corporation decided to relocate meat and fish shops outside the city limits as part of efforts to keep the city organised and clean.
According to the Municipal Corporation, under this initiative, all meat and fish shops will be relocated outside the city limits. The roadmap for this move was finalised and the proposal approved during a House meeting, presided over by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari.
Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal informed the House that five locations have been selected for the first phase of the plan. All these sites are situated near the city's outer boundaries to ensure no inconvenience to the general public.
In the coming days, meat and fish shops currently operating within the city will be shifted to the Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Awaleshpur, and Shivpur areas.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What Naqvi ji said about the 60% meat consumption stat is eye-opening. Shows this isn't a Hindu vs Muslim issue but a city planning one. Varanasi needs cleanliness for its heritage status. Fair solution - move shops outside but give proper alternative spaces.
Interesting how even religious leaders from different communities agree on urban planning priorities. Makes sense - you wouldn't have a fish market next to a church in London either. Hope the relocation is done with proper facilities and compensation for shop owners.
Ye Naqvi sahab ki baat mein dum hai. But I wish our leaders would focus equally on cleaning the Ganga and fixing the drainage in Varanasi. Plastic waste is everywhere - that's a bigger concern than where meat is sold. Still, good first step. 👌
I appreciate the inclusive approach here - Naqvi ji is showing that communal harmony doesn't mean avoiding tough decisions. Both meat and liquor shops need to be regulated near any place of worship. Varanasi deserves better urban planning. 😊
Why are we only talking about meat and fish? What about the cow dung and garbage on the ghats? Varanasi needs a comprehensive cleanliness drive, not selective targeting. But Naqvi's point about liquor shops is valid - they're everywhere near temples. 🤔
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.