The United Muslim Forum, a confederation of different Muslim organisations has appealed to members of their community not to sacrifice cows during the upcoming Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Azha, (also known as Bakr-Eid) next month.

As per reports, the Forum has stated that lambs, goats and other animals ‘permissible for sacrifice under Indian law’ can be sacrificed.

The forum has also urged the state government to take adequate steps to stop ‘self-styled’ Gau Rakshaks and prevent incidents of lynching, harm, loss of life and any possible tension between the different communities.

The UMF reportedly stated that all festivals should be celebrated with peace and harmony. It added that the Muslim community must refrain from killing bovine animals on Bakr-Eid so possibilities of mischief are reduced.

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Urging the state government to take precautionary measures to prevent hate crimes and lynching, the forum also asked that stringent laws must be formed to protect the life and properties of the citizens.

It has also asked the state government to take care of religious monuments. It insisted that the Telangana government must explore ‘alternative ways’ to preserve Waqf institutions while carrying out road widening and other development projects.

It is notable here that state home minister Mohammad Mehmud Ali had appealed to Muslims on Wednesday to respect the sentiments of people from other religions and sacrifice sheep instead of cows.

“The cow is respected and worshipped among Hindus. So, I appeal to all Muslim brethren to totally refrain from sacrificing the cow. Instead, offer a ‘small sacrifice’. You can sacrifice sheep or any other animals,” Ali had stated.