The Health Minister and Yogi government spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh said that the Chief Minister had patiently listened to them, but informed them that his government is bound by the Supreme Court orders and National Green Tribunal guidelines on slaughterhouses.
The meeting of meat sellers and exporters from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Mumbai and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remained inconclusive, as the latter gave no relief to the strikers.
A delegation of owners of striking slaughterhouses and exporters met with the CM on Thursday to apprise him of their grievances and the situation arising out of closure of meat shops and strike of meat sellers and exporters following government's crackdown against them.
The Health Minister and Yogi government spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh said that the Chief Minister had patiently listened to them, but informed them that his government is bound by the Supreme Court orders and National Green Tribunal guidelines on slaughterhouses.
Singh said that the CM wondered why the previous government did not ensure implementation of NGT guidelines and allowed illegal slaughterhouses to flourish and continue running.
He added, however, that the Adityanath had assured the delegation members and meat sellers that there would be no discrimination or victimisation against anyone in the state on the basis of caste and religion. He clarified that the Yogi government was working on the agenda of "sabka saath, sabka vikaas" .
"It is a people's government, which will work for all sections of the society. There is no need for anyone to fear victimisation or discrimination on caste lines," he clarified. The state health minister said that directives have already been issued to concerned authorities not to target any meat seller on religious lines. "Strict action will be initiated against officials involved in the drive if found guilty of targeting anyone based on their caste and religion," he said.
"The government has also issued a directive to initiate no action against licensed slaughterhouses. Action is only being taken against those who are not following norms and running illegally," he said allaying the fears of delegation members.
"We are slightly disappointed, but the chief minister has assured us that no action will be initiated against licensed and government-approved slaughterhouses and exporters," said S. Sabbarwal, the secretary-general of All-India Meat Exporters' Association.
Sabbarwal told DNA that the delegation has submitted a memorandum to the CM and he assured to look into their demands and grievances.
The secretary of All-India Meat and Livestock Exporters' Association, Fauzan Alavi is optimistic after the CM's categorical assurance that no action will be taken against legal institutions.
"CM has assured us that no harm would be done to their businesses as long as they follow the norms. We are facing the wrath of authorities due to illegal slaughterhouses and meat sellers who do not follow the guidelines and do their business in unhygienic conditions," said Alavi.
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