J&K: Geelani expresses concern over beef ban row

Srinagar, Sep 24: Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today expressed concern over reports that a recent court order regarding beef had "created a hostile atmosphere" in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also said that while consumption of beef was allowed for Muslims, they should adopt a "dignified attitude" while performing their religious obligations and not intentionally hurt the sentiments of any community.

"Beef is a 'halal' (legal) food item for us... and no power in the world can stop us from its use.

"When, on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha... we will be sacrificing animals, it will not be to hurt any particular community or tribe, but it is our religious obligation which is in practice from long ago and we will continue to practice it in future too," Geelani said in a statement here.

"We should adopt a dignified approach for this dignified religious obligation," Geelani added.

"The aim of these sacrifices... should not be to intentionally hurt the sentiments of any community." He also called for the "communal brotherhood" to be maintained "at any cost" in the state.

PTI