Ahead of the Bakrid festival, at least 100 trucks carrying goats for the ritual of sacrifice on the festival were not allowed to enter Mumbai. The vehicles were left stranded at Mumbai's entry points as they are not allowed to sell the animals in public, resulting in many animals dying of starvation.
Animal traders have now demanded a compensation from the Maharashtra government for the losses suffered by them.
On July 15 the state government issued guidelines for celebrating the festival on July 31 and August 1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places but should be done at home only.
- Currently, all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy mals, they should buy it online or by phone," read the guideline.
- If possible people shall make the symbolic sacrifice. The restrictions imposed in the Containment Area will remain in force. There will be no relaxation on the occasion of Bakra Eid.
All India Sheep and Goat Breeders and Dealers Association president Aslam Qureshi said, we made several demands to the state government for the smooth functioning of the festival, but in vain, he said.
"Several goats are dying in stranded vehicles due to starvation. All this is happening due to lack of a proper policy from the government, hence it should compensate the traders and farmers who are facing losses," he said.
All India Jamiatul Quresh national vice president Imran Babu Qureshi said, We demand compensation from the Maha Aghadi government for the traders as they have incurred huge losses due to the vague and confused guidelines issued for Eid-al-Adha."
Further the minister said that all the Muslim ministers and MLAs from the ruling parties "failed" to give out clear guidelines for the festival, hence they should resign.
Former Congress MLA Naseem Khan said the government should set up an inquiry and punish police officials who were stopping vehicles carrying goats purchased online and as per the government guidelines.