AYODHYA: The Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra's Thane district has requested all chicken, mutton, and fish shops under its jurisdiction to stay closed on January 22. This appeal comes in light of the consecration ceremony scheduled for the new Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Ajay Vaidya, the administrator and municipal commissioner of the civic body, issued the request, seeking cooperation from shopkeepers. In a statement released on Friday, Vaidya mentioned that the consecration of Lord Ram's idol is set to take place on January 22, with celebrations planned throughout Bhiwandi on that day.

Following a review meeting on Thursday involving police officials, civic administration, and the local peace committee, a collective decision was reached that all mutton, chicken, and fish shops in Bhiwandi should remain closed on the ceremony day. The appeal is a result of this decision.

Notably, the gram panchayat of Padgha village in Thane district, known for its communal sensitivity, has also urged locals to close non-vegetarian food and liquor shops on January 22. The village, situated in Bhiwandi tehsil, gained attention last year due to National Investigation Agency raids related to the Islamic State and other terror modules in the country.

The gram panchayat's letter, signed by the village sarpanch, makes a "fervent request" for the closure of shops selling mutton, chicken, fish, and liquor on January 22. Instead, they encourage residents to celebrate the 'pran-pratishtha' at the Ayodhya temple by decorating homes and lighting lamps.

In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has declared January 22 as a public holiday in honor of the Ram temple consecration ceremony. The Centre has also announced a half-day holiday for all its offices, institutions, and industrial establishments across India on the same day.

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