India: Halal products banned in the state of Uttar Pradesh
In India, the halal label is now banned in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous with 240 million inhabitants. The authorities cite deceptive marketing practices and the fight against terrorism. The decision could affect forty million Muslims.
Muslims in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, March 24, 2023. AFP - SANJAY KANOJIA
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in Bangalore, Côme Bastin
Yogi Adityanath, the Hindu extremist monk who heads the state of Uttar Pradesh, signed the measure into law on Sunday, November 19. All halal-certified products (which adhere to Islamic dietary laws) are concerned, meat in the first place, but also milk or certain cosmetics.
Terrorism
The decision follows an information report filed by a Hindu citizen with the local police. The decree states that halal products would create unfair economic competition in the name of religion, deceive consumers, incite division and finance terrorism.
In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims have already been subjected to harassment since the ban on the consumption and sale of beef. With the ban on halal products, many small vendors and restaurants are in the sights of the authorities. Violators face jail time.
Justice
Halal certification bodies want to take legal action against an unfounded decision. While the election campaign for the next prime minister is in full swing in India, it remains to be seen how this shocking measure will be applied to the forty million Muslims of Uttar Pradesh.
Read alsoIndia: religion once again a central theme in the next general elections
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