Cattle Trade in West Bengal Stalls Amid New Slaughter Guidelines

West Bengal's rural cattle trade faces a significant downturn following the implementation of strict new slaughter guidelines. The state government's regulations, requiring animals to have a 'fit certificate' for slaughter, have left marketplaces with fewer buyers ahead of the important festival of Eid al-Adha.

The sudden rule enforcement has deeply affected cattle traders and rural farmers who rely on livestock for their livelihoods. In areas such as Baruipur, Bhangor, and Sankrail, traders report financial strain as they are unable to sell their livestock, resulting in rising debts and uncertainty over the future.

The May 13 notification bars animal slaughter without certification and strictly prohibits it in open public spaces, complicating matters for traders without formal licenses. With economic hardships looming, a number of traders are uncertain about their ability to continue business.

Meanwhile, Kolkata's Nakhoda Mosque Imam Maulana Mohammad Shafiq Qasmi's request for Muslims to avoid cow sacrifice this Bakrid has seen widespread support, further diminishing cattle market activity. As regulations strain the livelihoods of Hindu and Muslim families alike, the situation has sparked political debate and concerns about the impact on communal harmony.

(With inputs from agencies.)