Thane: Bhiwandi civic body appeals meat shops to close for Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration

Ayodhya Ram Mandir/ File Photo/ PTI

All meat markets under the control of the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation in the Thane district have been asked to stay closed on January 22 in observance of the consecration ceremony of the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya. Shopkeepers are asked to cooperate in the appeal, which was submitted by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Ajay Vaidya.

Vaidya emphasised in a statement issued on Friday that festivities are planned throughout Bhiwandi and that the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol is set for January 22. All stores in Bhiwandi selling mutton, poultry, and fish were ordered to close on that day after a review meeting attended by police officials, the city administration, and the local peace committee.

The statement stated, "Following a review meeting held on Thursday involving police officials, civic administration, and the local peace committee, it was unanimously decided that all shops selling mutton, chicken and fish in Bhiwandi should remain closed on that day. Therefore, this appeal has been made."

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In addition, the gramme panchayat of Padgha village, which is communally sensitive, had already urged the community to close stores that sold alcohol and non-vegetarian food on January 22. The village hit the headlines last year as a result of NIA raids connected to inquiries into the Islamic State and other terror groups.

The panchayat's letter stated that it is their "fervent request" that shops selling mutton, chicken and liquor shops remain closed for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration and also asked that the inauguration should be celebrated by decorating homes and lighting lamps.

For the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22, the Maharashtra government declared a public holiday. Reportedly, the notification from the state government said that exercising powers vested by the Ministry of Homes Affairs, it decided to announce a public holiday on Monday, January 22.

On that same day, the Centre also announced a half-day holiday for all of its offices, institutions, and industrial enterprises throughout India.

On Monday, the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum is planned. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conduct the function.