Cow sacrifice “cannot be stopped” says Humayun Kabir amid slaughter restrictions

Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir triggered a political controversy in West Bengal after declaring that qurbani, including cow sacrifice, would continue despite the state government’s recent crackdown on illegal cattle slaughter and stricter enforcement of animal slaughter laws. Kabir made the remarks while responding to a public notice issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, days after the Suvendu Adhikari-led government directed police to intensify action against illegal slaughterhouses and cattle trade.

Addressing reporters in Hooghly on Wednesday, Kabir said ritual sacrifice during Bakrid would continue regardless of objections or restrictions. He stated that the practice had continued for centuries and would not stop. Kabir further said that cows, goats, camels and sheep permitted under religious customs would continue to be sacrificed. He also stated that no opposition or restriction would prevent the practice from taking place.

The controversy emerged shortly after the Bengal government held a law-and-order review meeting at Nabanna and instructed police to strengthen enforcement against illegal cattle movement and unauthorised slaughter activities. The administration directed officials to maintain tighter coordination in border districts and ensure that licensed cattle trade operated strictly within legal provisions. Police were also instructed to increase monitoring of illegal slaughterhouses and cattle transportation networks.

Amid the growing political row, Furfura Sharif cleric Toha Siddiqui appealed to people to follow the law and avoid cow slaughter during qurbani. Siddiqui said people should obey restrictions related to cow slaughter and remarked that sacrificing cows was not necessary. Congress leader Husain Dalwai also appealed for sensitivity towards Hindu sentiments, stating that goats could be sacrificed instead. Kabir had earlier drawn controversy after announcing plans to lay the “foundation stone of the Babri Masjid” in Murshidabad on December 6 while serving as a Trinamool Congress MLA.