Birbhum meat shop closure notices spark controversy:Shopkeepers question closure order; municipality cites joint Chhath arrangements with police and administration

A directive issued by the Rampurhat Municipality asking meat shops to remain closed during Chhath Puja has triggered controversy in Birbhum district, with shopkeepers questioning the decision and its impact on their businesses. Three shopkeepers receive municipal closure notices According to a municipal notice dated November 13, shopkeepers Abdur Ali, Soni Sekh and Nur Ali Sheikh were instructed to keep their shops closed on November 15 and 16. The notice also directed them to ensure that meat from slaughtered animals, including goats and sheep, was covered with red cloth on the remaining days. Municipality cites festival related closure decision The communication, issued under Memo No. 960/RM/DEV(PWD), cited Chhath Puja as the reason for the closure. However, a municipal official said the decision was limited to two or three meat shops located close to the road in Court Lane. Shops near road to remain closed The decision was taken jointly by the Chhath Puja committee, the general administration, the police administration and the municipality. The shops will remain closed on Sunday afternoon and until 10 am on Monday, the official said, explaining that Chhath is an important festival observed with great devotion by the Bihari community. Shopkeeper questions lack of prior consultation Shopkeeper Noor Ali Sheikh questioned the lack of prior consultation. I received a notice asking me to shut my shop for two days. They could have discussed it with us first. Sunday is a busy business day, and our regular customers will not be able to buy mutton. This will affect our business, he said. Sunday business expected to suffer losses The notices have brought the municipality’s role in regulating local businesses during religious festivals under scrutiny. The written notice mentions November 15 and 16, while the municipal official described a shorter closure period.