New Delhi: Officials in Ayodhya have decided to impose a strict ban on meat sales along significant religious routes such as Ram Path and Dharma Kosi Marg, issuing notices to shopkeepers. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received a complaint at Janta Darbar regarding the operation of meat shops on Ram Path, Dharma 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg, and Panchkosi Marg. Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi also stated that a ban on liquor consumption is likely to be enforced as well.
The Mayor asserted that discussions around the meat ban had been ongoing for a long time. “It was under discussion for a very long time that the sale of meat should be banned in Ayodhya. It was decided that the sale of meat must be prohibited on Ram Path,” said Tripathi. He added that a liquor ban will be initiated soon.
Food and Fertiliser Commissioner Manik Chand informed that the issue was first raised when a complaint was lodged during CM Yogi Adityanath’s Janta Darbar. A group of officials investigated the matter and found 22 meat shops operating along these religious routes. “A complaint was received during CM Yogi Adityanath’s Janta Darbar that meat shops were running on Ram Path, Dharma 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg, and Panchkosi Marg. We formed a team and inspected all the shops,” Commissioner Chand was quoted as saying by ANI.
Seven-day notice to relocate
The Commissioner further stated that all 22 meat shops have been issued a seven-day notice to relocate. He emphasized that strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply. “There are 22 meat shops on Ram Path, Bhakti Path, Dharma Path, and 14 Kosi Marg. If there are any other shops, they will also face similar action,” Chand said.
CM Yogi Adityanath has reportedly issued strict orders to close illegal slaughterhouses and enforce a ban on the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites.