Cattle traders on strike to protest against harassment by ‘gau rakshaks’

The state's Qureshi community, which is involved in the cattle trade, has gone on an indefinite strike in most districts of Maharashtra, leading to a cessation of cattle-trading everywhere except in Mumbai and Pune.

- Faisal Malik

Traders in these two cities too are likely to take a similar decision in the coming days, which means there will be a shortage of buffalo meat.

The Qureishis’ protest began after alleged harassment by the police and self-proclaimed gau rakshaks (cow protectors) who not only seize vehicles but also attack the people involved in transporting cattle. Members of the community have alleged that the harassment has become regular, irrespective of the animals they transport. The indefinite strike was first launched by Qureshi community members in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) on July 1, which has now spread to most of the state's 36 districts. The members have also called a meeting on July 28 to discuss the further course of action.