MNS opposes meat ban

The political fight over meat ban intensifies. As a mark of protest, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will sell meat in Mumbai. Shiv Sena has also opposed the 4 day meat ban in the city. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently announced suspension of meat sale and shutting down of its slaughter house at Deonar in suburban Mumbai on September 10, 13, 17 and 18 in deference to the sentiments of the Jain community members, who during 'Paryushan' even shun all root vegetables. The ban covers mutton and chicken, and excludes fish and eggs. It also extends to private businesses selling raw meat. The ban on sale of meat during 'Paryushan' has been in force since 1964, when the BMC passed a resolution directing a two-day prohibition on sale of meat in response to the demands by Jains, a powerful community which holds key stakes in business and industry in Mumbai. In 2004, the Congress-NCP government passed another resolution extending it by another two days across Mumbai every September.