Raids conducted following the prohibition of halal products in an Indian state
Authorities in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh are conducting raids across the region following the recent prohibition of the production, storage, distribution, and sale of halal food products, except those intended for export.
The origin of this issue lies in a recent case filed with the police in the state capital Lucknow, where serious allegations have been leveled against institutions providing halal certificates, signifying adherence to Islamic principles.
On November 18, the state's Additional Chief Secretary, Anita Singh, issued an order banning halal-certified products in Uttar Pradesh. The state is governed by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk.
According to right-wing organizations advocating for the ban, the halal business is perceived as detrimental to the business interests of non-Muslim traders.
The case specifically targets Chennai-based Halal India Private Limited, Delhi-based Jamiat Ulema Hind Halal Trust, Jamiat Ulema Maharashtra, and unidentified companies.
In the filed police case, accusations were made that the sale of halal products is intended to boost the sales of individuals of a specific religion through the issuance of halal certificates and labels. Additionally, there are claims that fake documents are being utilized in the halal certification process, thereby playing with people's religious faith.
Furthermore, it was alleged that this practice is adversely impacting the sales of companies that do not employ halal certification, resulting in an unfair competitive landscape.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind responded to these allegations in a statement, stating, "In response to baseless allegations aimed at tarnishing our image, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust will take necessary legal steps to counter such misinformation."
The Trust emphasized that the global halal trade is valued at approximately $3.5 trillion, and India significantly benefits from it. They argue that their halal certification process serves both domestic distribution and international exports.
According to the Trust, halal certification is a crucial economic activity that not only contributes to India's exports but is also necessary for catering to tourists who prefer purchasing goods with a Halal label.
A case has been filed by Shailendra Sharma, a BJP worker, against the entities issuing halal certificates. Shailendra Sharma has voiced concerns, suggesting that those engaged in halal certification and associated business activities may include individuals contributing to the country's weakening through anti-national activities.
“They earn millions of rupees and this money can be used to fund terrorist organizations and anti-national activities,” said Sharma to Global South World.
Muslims constitute 19 percent of the total population of the state.
A Muslim seller who did not want to be named said, “The state is unnecessarily targeting Muslims so that their business could be taken over by other communities.
According to the statement by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner, Anita Singh, 97 raids and 482 inspections were conducted in 38 districts of the state in three days after the ban was imposed.
