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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Cattle trade boycott over gaurakshaks' harassment hits farmers, meat exporters across Maharashtra
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A statewide boycott of cattle trading by the Qureshi community, protesting continued harassment by self-styled 'gaurakshaks', has begun to affect rural economies, meat export operations, and the hospitality sector across the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Qureshi community, which leads the livestock trade and meat processing industry in Maharashtra, has stopped all buying and selling of cattle, alleging unchecked vigilantism targeting transporters and traders. The boycott, now into its third week, has left cattle markets deserted, meat processing units running dry, and hotels struggling with supply shortages. "The harassment of our traders by cow vigilante groups has become unbearable. Despite valid documentation and licences, our people are being stopped, attacked, and humiliated," said Haji Arif Chaudhary, the state head of All India Jamiatul Quresh, which on July 15 made a representation to director general of police Rashmi Shukla seeking intervention and implementation of law. Haji Isa Qureshi, another key member of the Jamiat, said, "To date, only our community was blamed and cornered. The moment we stopped purchasing and processing unproductive animals, all related sectors have started feeling the heat. The govt should ensure that the existing laws related to our business are implemented." Officials from the animal husbandry department confirmed the sharp fall in slaughter numbers from all eight export-oriented abattoirs situated across Maharashtra. The authorities from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar said that the situation is no different for Allana Sons and Al Quraish —both known for being into cent per cent export. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Between July 14 and July 20, Al Quraish recorded zero slaughter while Allana reported slaughter of only 734 buffaloes. This contrasts sharply with figures from late June, when Allana processed 9,744 animals in a week and Al Quraish 684. "This is an unprecedented dip. We reached out to these units and were told that the Qureshi community's boycott is directly responsible for this drop," said Dr Nanasaheb Kadam, deputy commissioner, animal husbandry dept told TOI. The ripple effect is also being felt in the agriculture sector, where farmers typically sell unproductive cattle during the monsoon to finance sowing. "With no buyers, our animals are unsold and we are short of cash. The boycott has left us stranded. The govt should bring a check on the vigilantes," said Laxman Bapurao Sashe from Ghodegaon-based animal market, considered to be one of the largest markets in the state. Meat exporters warn that the halt in trading is threatening contractual obligations with overseas clients. "We are on the verge of defaulting on our export commitments due to a supply crunch. The govt must step in," said an official from a Malegaon-based export unit. Hotels and restaurants, too, are facing the heat. "Buffalo meat is a major component in many food preparations, especially for bulk catering. The sudden shortage is affecting both pricing and menu planning," said a hotelier from Mumbai. The Qureshi community has stated that the boycott will continue until the state govt takes concrete action against vigilante groups and ensures the safety of livestock transporters.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- The Hindu
Cattle traders in Maharashtra to launch boycott amid ‘harassment'
Mohammed Sufiyan (25), a licensed cattle trader in Washim district of Maharashtra, says he was shocked when his buffaloes were detained by 'gau rakshaks with the help of the local police' in May, while being shifted from Badnera in Amravati district to Washim. 'I received a court order and paid ₹65,000 as khavati [maintenance payment for animals in custody], but I am yet to get my buffaloes back,' says Mr. Sufiyan, adding that cow vigilantes had obtained a stay order, and a hearing is scheduled in August. Mr. Sufiyan and his father are licensed traders who buy and sell cattle for a living. 'I may have to pay more depending on how the August 11 hearing goes. I cannot even think of the loss I have to bear. It makes no sense to continue in this business,' said Mr. Sufiyan. Mr. Sufiyan is not in the slaughter business, but says he still faces the squeeze. The situation is worse for several other members of the Muslim Qureshi community dealing in buffalo and other bovine meat, be it traders or butchers, who have allegedly been harassed by cow vigilante groups, including members of the Bajrang Dal. The harassment has lasted for over a decade now, they allege. According to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2015, a fitness certificate from a veterinary doctor is required for slaughtering buffaloes, certifying that the buffalo is 'unfit' for milking and not pregnant. However, community members say gau rakshak groups 'harass them' even though they follow the law. Condemning the violent attacks on cattle and meat traders and transporters, and the heavy losses and trauma caused by such attacks, members of the Qureshi community have staged protests across Maharashtra. They have also announced an indefinite boycott of cattle trade from Monday (July 21, 2025). 'Some of the traders have already stopped dealing in cattle; however, formally, we are launching a complete boycott in Maharashtra from July 21,' said Shabir Qureshi of the All India Jamiatul Quresh (AIJQ), a traders' union. A delegation of the traders' body also met Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam and Director-General of Police Rashmi Shukla, seeking protection from the self-proclaimed gau rakshaks. 'Both have given us oral assurance that action will be taken as per law,' claimed Abdul Sadiq Qureshi, Vidharba chief of the AIJQ. In a letter to the DGP on July 2, the AIJQ highlighted 'harassment' and 'loss of life and property' suffered by those who transport animals within Maharashtra and requested that 'police officers' in the respective jurisdictions be directed to remain 'extra-vigilant and control harassment' of the community. The community also says atrocities had increased after the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976 was amended in March 2015, prohibiting the slaughter of cows, bulls, oxen, and bullocks. Citing the amended law, AIJQ president Mohammed Arif Chowdhary said in the letter, 'Under Section 5A of the said Act, there is no restriction for transport of animals such as goats, sheep, buffaloes and other bovines within the State, including for purposes of being butchered.' Shiraj Qureshi, a trader in Aurangabad, said traders were being looted in the guise of cow protection. 'They stop vehicles carrying cattle, beat drivers, and with the help of the police, forcibly seize our cattle,' said Mr. Shiraj Qureshi, adding, 'You will find hundreds of such cases. The police have to intervene and provide us protection.' Some of the Qureshi community's demands include protection for legal animal traders; the prohibition of illegal interference and harassment; accountability for inaction of the police and administration; ensuring smooth operation of slaughter houses; and ending violence against the community on religious grounds. The AIJQ has organised meetings with members in several regions including Vidarbha, Marathwada, and western Maharashtra. Shabir Qureshi claimed at least three lakh traders will be affected by the boycott, but said they were 'left with no choice'. 'The boycott will also impact all farmers, as they depend on the Qureshi community to sell aged animals and buy new ones,' said Amravati-based trader Shaikh Afsar, adding buying and selling cattle is part of the farming ecosystem, which will be disturbed by the boycott.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Traders upset over livestock mkt ban ahead of Bakri Eid
Mumbai: An 'advisory' from the Maharashtra Gauseva Ayog, a commission for welfare of cows and their progeny, to Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the state to not hold livestock markets between June 3 and 8 has caused concern among animal traders, farmers and the Muslim community. They said the May 27 directive, just ahead of Bakri Eid on June 7, will disrupt sale and purchase of animals permitted for slaughter. There are 292 livestock markets in the state regulated by 305 principal and 603 secondary APMCs. Muslims, including Qureshis who are engaged in animal trading, have criticised the circular, but Maharashtra Gauseva Ayog's chairman Shekhar Mundada clarified that this is only an advisory. "This is not an order, but an advisory. It has been seen in the past that even cows and their progeny, whose slaughter is banned through the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act (1995), were affected. The advisory was issued to stop the sale and slaughter of cows and their progeny during Bakrid," Mundada told TOI on Sunday. "The commission should clarify that the directive is only against the sale of cows and their progeny because a pause in village markets will deprive farmers, traders, and buyers to transact for the crucial days ahead of Bakri Eid," said Imran Babu Qureshi, national vice-president of All India Jamiatul Quresh, a century-old organisation of the Qureshis. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด Bitcoin และ Ethereum - ไม่ต้องใช้กระเป๋าเงิน! IC Markets เริ่มต้นตอนนี้ Undo National general secretary of the organisation Gulrez Qureshi said this 'advisory' may encourage gau rakshaks (cow vigilantes) to step up harassment of traders transporting animals to be sold for Bakri Eid. "Transportation of even buffaloes, goats, and sheep, which is permitted for slaughter, may be hit as gau rakshaks may use the directive as a licence to target the traders and transporters," said Gulrez, who plans to take a delegation to the animal husbandry minister. Mohammed Arif Choudhary, Maharashtra president of the All India Jamiatul Quresh, has already written to the Gauseva Ayog and the commissioner of animal husbandry department, flagging off the misuse of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act. tnn
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
As Qureshi Jamat turns 100, members look for life beyond meat business
As army officer Colonel joined Wing Commander Vyomika Singh recently to brief the world media multiple times about India's military action against terror hubs in POK and inside Pakistan, India saluted the young women officers of the armed forces. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Joining the salutations were members of the , an organisation of the Qureshis, traditionally meat traders. The Qureshis take pride also in the fact that Sofiya Qureshi belongs to their biradri or jamat and has brought glory to the community and the country. As All India Jamiatul Quresh has turned 100 and plans to hold centenary celebrations, it will also felicitate Sofiya, Farakhanda Qureshi, who secured All India Rank 67 in the UPSC exams 2024 and is slated to join the IAS, as well as a few others in the community who recently excelled in different fields. "Once the situation stabilises, we will invite Sofiya Qureshi, Farakhanda Qureshi, and others who are the shining stars and brought immense pride to the community. We will honour them publicly also to inspire the young generation of Qureshis to emulate these exemplary figures," said Jamiatul Quresh's National President Sirajuddin Qureshi. "The Qureshis are no longer confined to slaughtering animals and chopping meat. They fly fighter jets and occupy leading positions in bureaucracy and other professions." Founded in 1924 by Bhaiyya Rasheeduddin Ahmed Qreshi, also its first president, Alhaj Sofi Ahmed Baksh, Mohammed Baksh Barelvi, and many others, the All India Jamiatul Quresh has represented the Qureshis in their journey for a century. Like many other Muslims, the Qureshis also bore the brunt of British oppression in the aftermath of the failure of the 1857 revolt. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Having suffered heavily at the hands of the British colonialists, who saw Indians, especially Muslims, with suspicion due to the widespread rebellion including in Meerut and Delhi, the Qureshis needed an organisation that could unite and lead them. This organisation, headquartered at the aptly named Qasabpura (Qasab in Urdu means butchers) at Sadar Bazaar in Delhi, did exactly that as it fought and keeps fighting for the rights of the Qureshis. Imran Babu Qureshi, vice-president of the organisation, led a recent delegation to the Deonar abattoir to discuss preparations for the upcoming Bakrid festival (in June). At a long meeting with the abattoir's General Manager Dr Kalim Pathan and other officials, they also discussed how to prevent harassment of the traders who transport goats, sheep, and buffaloes to the abattoir. Since there are intemitently reports of cow vigilantes harassing transporters ferrying animals, a realisation has dawned among the Qureshis that alternatives must be looked for. "The efforts to get the new generation of Qureshis educated began over two decades ago. It is true the efforts were expedited in the last few years as incidents of mob lynching and other harassment in the name of gau raksha (cow vigilantism) became frequent," said Imran, seated at his Bandra (West) office where Zafar Rahmatullah Qureshi, president of the Mumbai unit of the Jamat, joined him. Mumbai has a vibrant Qureshi population. Qureshi leaders and past office bearers of the Jamat like Babu Iftekhar Qureshi, Khurshid Matru, Abdul Qayyum Qureshi, and Khalid Babu Qureshi worked tirelessly to unite the Qureshis and keep them motivated. The Jamat's Mumbai unit has formed four sub-committees to work in the fields of education, medical, preparation of documents like OBC and income certificates, and information about and availing of govt schemes. "There is a new awakening among the young generation that education is key to development. Even if some want to carry on in the , education and training will go a long way in empowering them," said Zafar, manager at a movie theatre. He added that Qureshis are now increasingly joining the fruits business, construction, and banking, apart from becoming professionals like doctors, engineers,
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ahead of Bakrid, delegation of stakeholders meet Deonar abattoir officials to discuss preparations
A delegation from All India Jamiatul Quresh, Mumbai Unit, met with Deonar Abattoir officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha in June 2025. MUMBAI: A delegation of All India Jamiatul Quresh (AIJQ), Mumbai Unit, recently visited Deonar Abattoir and discussed preparations for Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid in the first week of June."Our meeting with Deonar Abattoir's general manager Dr Kaleem Pasha Pathan and other officials were to discuss the preparations made for the Bakrid festival. We enquired about arrangements for lighting, water supply, sheds, road conditions, traffic management and the organized system for buffalo slaughtering on Bakrid," said AIJQ's vice-president Imran Babu delegation also comprised Zafar Qureshi (president, AIJQ Mumbai), Mobin Qureshi (vice president, AIJQ and members of the delegation raised concerns about the safety of vehicles transporting live animals to the abattoir and the subsequent transportation of carcasses -post slaughter of Pathan said that all arrangements are being made. However, he maintained that the security during transportation of animals to the abattoir came under the ambit of traffic following issues were discussed: Preparations for Eid-ul-Adha on 7th June 2025, arrangements made by Deonar Abattoir for the festival, including arrival and accommodation of were also held on the scheduled arrival and accommodation of buffaloes, goats, and sheep at the abattoir points of discussion included security and transportation, incidents on highways like looting livestock in transport vehicles on national discussed were transport logistics, licensing procedures and excessive fees being charged by the municipal corporation. The delegation members comprised Imran Babu Qureshi (National Vice President, AIJQ), Zafar Rehmattulla Qureshi (President, AIJQ Mumbai Unit), Mobin Qureshi (Vice President AIJQ) and many others.
