LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has banned the sale of meat within 500 meters of places of worship on the occasion of Navratri celebrations. There is also an order to close illegal slaughterhouses. The government has directed district magistrates and police commissioners to strictly implement the order. The nine-day Chaitra Navratri celebrations begin from today.

A ban has been imposed on the sale of fish and meat across the state on April 6, the day of Ram Navami. It has been warned that strict action will be taken against those who violate the law. The government clarified that it will ban the illegal killing of animals and sale of meat near places of worship, citing orders issued in 2014 and 2017.

District-level committees have been formed under the chairmanship of district magistrates to implement the government's instructions. The committee comprises officials from the police, pollution control board, animal husbandry department, transport department, labour department, health department and food safety department.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has asked the authorities to close meat, fish and mutton shops on roadsides in Mumbai out of respect for religious sentiments. The Shiv Sena leader has asked that restaurants can continue to serve meat, but stalls in open areas serving meat should be closed. Sanjay Nirupam made this statement after a meeting with Uttar Pradesh DCP Sachin Gunjal.