JAMMU, Oct 4: The Shiv Sena Dogra Front, under the leadership of its President Ashok Gupta, today staged a protest in Jammu demanding the temporary closure of meat, butcher and liquor shops during the upcoming Navratras.
Addressing the protesters, Ashok Gupta said that Navratras are among the most sacred religious occasions for Hindus, during which a large number of devotees observe fasts and follow various religious practices. He said the sentiments and beliefs of devotees should be respected and urged the administration to take appropriate measures to ensure that meat and liquor shops remain closed throughout the nine-day festival.
Gupta demanded that the concerned authorities issue clear directions to all meat, butcher and liquor shop owners in Jammu to keep their establishments closed during the Navratra period. He further appealed to the administration to ensure strict implementation of any such order and take necessary action against unauthorised sale of meat and liquor during the religious period.
He stated that the demand was aimed at respecting the religious sentiments of devotees and maintaining the sanctity of the festival. He urged the Jammu administration to take an early decision so that people observing Navratras are able to follow their religious practices peacefully and with full devotion.
The Shiv Sena Dogra Front also warned that in case the religious sentiments of devotees were ignored, the organisation would intensify its democratic protest through lawful means.
Among those who participated in the protest were Keemti, Suresh, Nirmal, Davinder, Labbha, Ashish, Sushil, Ram, Kishore, Prem, Fauji, Bhajo, Ashok and Nanku, besides several other party workers and supporters.