Embarrassment for Akhilesh Govt: UP Police terrorising Muslims before Bakrid, says Azam Khan

Lucknow, Sept 23: Putting his own government in the dock, Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan today alleged that the state police was taking "one-sided action" and "terrorising" Muslims who were planning to perform 'qurbani' (sacrifice) of goats on Eid Al-Adha.

"It is a matter of concern that Muslims are being stopped and harassed for performing 'qurbani' of goats in the state on Bakrid. This year attempts are being made to vitiate communal atmosphere on the issue.

"And it is a matter of concern that police itself was doing one-sided action and terrorising those who want to perform 'qurbani'," Khan said in a letter to Director General of Police (DGP), Jagmohan Yadav.

The Samajwadi Party leader alleged that communal forces were trying to take political mileage in the garb of the festival.

"Is it a crime to follow religious beliefs under the law, the big firms exporting meat should also be stopped," he said.

"Is it a justice to snatch goats from those desiring to do their qurbani on Bakrid and return them after three-fours days of the festival.

"It is upto you (DGP) to enforce people get justice as per law and constitution. It should not happen that a 'daroga' (local policemen) enforce law as per his will," the letter said.

National Minority Commission (NMC) had on September 14 sent a notice to Sant Kabir Nagar administration for allegedly banning animal sacrifice in district's Mushar village.

Khan said that state police headquarters should make such arrangements so that those who want to perform 'qurbani' should get their "rights".

PTI