Vrindavan, 2017.03.25 (VT): The new Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has been busy fulfilling his campaign promises during his first days in office.
On Wednesday, one illegal slaughterhouse and sixteen butcher shops in the holy town of Mathura were sealed by the government. The action was part of a statewide crackdown on unlicensed abattoirs. TTN reports that seven slaughterhouses in Meerut, and three in Aligarh, were also closed.
The UP Pollution Control Board estimates that only 45 slaughterhouses in the State are operating legally, and another 140 have been ordered to close. Furthermore, some have been listed on the books as having been shut down, while in actuality they are operational.
Amongst those who depend on the meat industry for their livelihood, many fear that the closures are a precursor to a complete ban on animal slaughter in the State. But the move is likely to be seen as a blessing amongst the animal-loving faithful in Mathura, the holy land where Shri Krishna herded His cows.
According to a recent TOI report, Yogi Adityanath ordered a blanket ban on cow smuggling in the State during his first cabinet meeting, wherein he also banned the use of chewing tobacco and paan masala on government property, after noticing spittle stains on the walls of the government annex.
In addition, 100 so-called “black sheep” policemen have been suspended since Adityanath’s ascent to the seat of CM.
Adityanath has also formed anti-Romeo squads to combat “Eve-teasing” (a local euphemism for sexual harassment). So far the response has been mixed. While many women are feeling safer, some officers have reportedly misused their responsibility. Police officers in Lucknow allegedly harassed a couple this week, arresting the man and lecturing the woman on morality.
Similarly, TNN reports that police in Agra questioned foreign tourists and young couples at the Taj Mahal, apparently interrogating them about their personal lives. The Archaeological Survey of India expressed dismay at the action, fearing it would repel tourists from visiting the Taj Mahal.
The CM has since cautioned the anti-Romeo squads not to harass couples.
(This article references reports by The Times of India/Times News Network, India Today and NDTV)
The post Yogi Adityanath’s first week as CM: 16 meat shops closed in Mathura, anti-Romeo squads and a paan-masala ban appeared first on Vrindavan Today.
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