• Source:JND
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Varanasi Meat Shops Closed: For the first time, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation on Friday announced that all meat and fish shops within its jurisdiction will remain closed during the Navratri festival. Mayor Ashok Tiwari stated that the closure was in consideration of Varanasi's religious significance and the sentiments of devotees. He also warned that shopkeepers found violating the directive would face strict action. 

Mayor Ashok Tiwari stated that the decision was unanimously approved during an Executive Council meeting on Thursday. However, the announcement sparked criticism from several corporators, who argue that it will severely impact the livelihoods of thousands of people. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation consists of 100 corporators, including 14 from the Muslim community.

Alipur corporator Raazia Begum, among the dissenters, pointed out that the decision was taken by a 12-member Executive Council and the Mayor without consulting the full House. She vowed to oppose the ruling when it comes up for broader discussion, reported news agency PTI.

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Raazia Begum suggested alternative measures, such as compensating affected shop owners or restricting closures to areas around temples rather than implementing a blanket ban. She also expressed hope that the Mayor would consider a resolution that accommodates both religious sentiments and economic realities.

 "This will lead to thousands of people from marginalised communities, who run these meat shops, losing business," she said.

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The Navratri festival is set to begin on March 30 and conclude on April 6. Critics have argued that enforcing a complete ban for all nine days is unfair to marginalized communities that are dependent on these businesses.