Mumbai News: Qureshi Community Calls Off Cattle Market Boycott After Ajit Pawar’s Assurance

The Qureshi community has call off the boycott of cattle markets in the state after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured them of a solution to the issue of vigilante groups targeting cattle traders.

Cattle Trade Disrupted for a Month as Qureshis Protest Vigilante Harassment

Cattle trading at over 200 markets in the state have been hit for nearly a month because of the strike. Qureshis, who are traditional butchers, said the government has been ignoring complaints about the vigilante groups. The groups have accused cattle traders of illegally transporting cows for slaughter though there is a ban on beef production in the state. On Wednesday, Pawar said the Qureshis have agreed to call off the strike.

All India Jamiatul Quresh, a community association, and the Federation of Maharashtra Muslims on Tuesday met Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The delegation was led by NCP MLA Sana Malik and her father, former MLA Nawab Malik.

Strike Called off

Announcing the end of the strike, Pawar said that the stop in cattle trading has affected farmers who sell unproductive buffaloes in the market. "The director general of police, Rashmi Shukla, was there at the meeting. I spoke to national transport minister, Nitin Gadkari, to find out about transport rules for cattle. We will also ask the state transport ministry for their views. I think farmers are affected by the strike. I have asked the Qureshis to call off their strike," Pawar added.