UP meat row: Mamata concerned over crackdown on slaughter houses

Uttar Pradesh is facing acute shortage of meat following the government's crackdown on illegal slaughter houses.

Kolkata, March 28: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed concern over the 'recent happenings' in Uttar Pradesh, saying people are 'scared' over caste and religious differences.

Uttar Pradesh is facing acute shortage of meat following the government's crackdown on illegal slaughter houses.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also took a dig at the Centre for failing to align its activities with its working code 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

Thousands of meat sellers in Uttar Pradesh shut shops for an indefinite period from Monday against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi's decision to close down illegal slaughterhouses, causing concerns over Rs 15,000-crore industry that employs 25 lakh people in the state.

The issue also came up for a discussion in Parliament with the central government claiming that only illegal slaughterhouses were closed down in Uttar Pradesh.

The meat sellers, however, allege that police were raiding the shops and forcing the closure of their establishments despite having valid licences.

IANS