It is 2 p.m. and a group of men sit on concrete
platforms outside their houses in the Arab community dominated area of
Barkas (name derived from ‘barracks’ that were constructed to house the
Nizam’s Army) in the south of the old city of Hyderabad while a person
clad in the traditional lungi and shirt, holding a few pamphlets,
addresses them.
“Look, we have to set an example by showing respect for the religious beliefs of other communities,” he says to the gathering.
“What
difference will it make if we do not sacrifice a cow? A festival is a
joyous occasion and all sections of the society should be happy,” he
says, even while his colleagues explain the advantages of cow milk.
Meet
Abdullah Bin Ali Alhaj Bahmaid, an advocate-cum-social activist from
Barkas, who has embarked on a mission to promote amity between different
religious groups.
“At the time of ‘Eid-ul-Adha’,
there is a lot of tension over the issue of cow slaughter. Muslims need
to think over this issue. Moreover, it is banned and would invite legal
problems too,” Mr. Bahmaid pointed out.
Along with
many other youngsters in his neighbourhood, he has formed the ‘Arabs Cow
Protection Organisation’ or ‘Gau Raksha Dal’ with an aim to prevent the
sale, transport and slaughter of cows. “Our mission is to ensure no one
slaughters a cow on ‘Eid-ul-Adha’. Initially, we are trying to convince
people in our locality and there is positive response,” the 35-year-old
claims.
Many such street corner meetings were held
in the area in the last few weeks. The group also visited the local
Madarsas and mosques to seek the support of the religious leaders. “NRIs
staying in the Middle East have also extended their support to the
mission,” chips in another group member, Abdul Raheem Bavazir.
In the last two months, the group claims to have successfully ‘convinced’ 20 odd beef shop owners in the neighbourhood.
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