india

Updated: Oct 16, 2015 09:33 IST

Right wing outfits in Agra are scrambling to seek a ban on sale of meat during the Navratri festival this year.

After Dharam Jagran Manch leader, Nand Kishore Valmiki made a provocative statement but later apologised, a leader of the Bajrang Dal, Madan Verma threatened to throw chemical on meat if it is sold in the open during Navratri.

Earlier, it was the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh which lodged protest seeking closure of meat shops near temples during Navratri and a complete ban on sale of meat on Ram Navami.

On Tuesday, Valmiki referred to the incident when pieces of meat were thrown at a Ganesh idol on its way to immersion and told media that if such incidents were repeated during Navratri, he would lead a protest to Jama Masjid armed with some animal flesh.

However, when summoned by SP (city) and ADM (city), Nand Kishore Valmiki apologised for his statement.

On Wednesday, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists reached the Agra Nagar Nigam office with their demand. “We handed over a memorandum to deputy municipal commissioner and sought ban on open sale of meat during Navratri besides seeking cleanliness near temples,” stated Madan Verma of Bajrang Dal.

VHP leader Sunil Parashar complained that uncovered meat at shops hurt the sentiments of people, especially women folk who move towards temples to offer prayers. He demanded a ban on sale of meat in the open during Navratri.

Madan Verma, mahanagar Sanyojak of Bajrang Dal, went to the extent of saying that he would throw chemical to damage the meat being sold in the open if the administration fails to address the issues raised by his organisation. He also objected to the ‘biryani’ vendors operational in the city without valid licenses.

On the other hand, the Shiv Sena unit in Agra demanded security arrangements at pandals where ‘Devi’ (deity) idols are being installed. Sena leaders also raised objection to the sale of open meat.