Eid preparations in Indias West Bengal disrupted by cattle market closures

Here is a rewritten version of the article in a neutral newsroom style:

Cattle Market in West Bengal’s Dhulagarh Deserted Ahead of Eid al-Adha

Kolkata, India - The Dhulagarh cattle market on the outskirts of Kolkata has seen a significant decline in activity less than a week before Eid al-Adha. Traders and sellers are huddled together under a tin shade, waiting for customers to arrive, but there are no buyers in sight.

A Hindu seller from East Midnapur district reported that he had taken out multiple high-interest loans to purchase his stock for the festival, which falls on Wednesday and Thursday. Despite being a significant market for cattle sales, the seller expressed concerns about the lack of customers due to a climate of fear.

In West Bengal, where nearly 25 million Muslims reside, Eid al-Adha is typically an occasion for business. However, this year’s festivities are expected to be different. The state’s new government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has implemented a law that prohibits public slaughter of cattle without a valid certificate.

The 1950 law, which was previously relaxed in the state, now requires butchering to take place only in municipal slaughterhouses or designated areas. The law also mandates that animals must be above 14 years old before being slaughtered.

As a result, many meat sellers and traders have reported a decline in sales, with some even closing their shops temporarily. A restaurant owner in Kolkata stated that the closure of beef vendors had led to a significant decrease in business.

The market’s deserted look is a stark contrast to previous years, when the Dhulagarh cattle market was bustling with activity from both Hindu and Muslim sellers and buyers. The decline in sales is attributed to the fear and uncertainty surrounding the new law and its implementation.

Source: Al Jazeera