Kolkata, May 17. Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanding immediate clarification on the state government’s May 13 animal slaughter notice. The directive has caused considerable confusion and discontent, particularly in Murshidabad district, known for its large minority population.
The notice mandates certificates for slaughtering specific animals and bans public slaughter. Enforcement officers have been asked to prevent any obstruction to their duties. Chowdhury warned that these measures are unsettling communities that have long followed traditional religious customs.
He recommended that the administration designate specific locations for religious and traditional ceremonies to avoid inconvenience. Such a move, according to Chowdhury, would help dispel fears and allow residents to practice their customs freely.
The letter reflects growing political pressure on the state government to handle sensitive issues involving religious practices with greater care. Chowdhury’s intervention is expected to intensify the debate on how best to reconcile animal welfare regulations with community traditions.
