New Delhi, January 12 (IANS). National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanungo said that we had received a complaint in which it was said that the non-veg food served or sold in Indian Railways is made only from animals slaughtered in a halal manner.
Priyank Kanungo said that we raised this issue with the Railways and sought clarification from them. Railways said that there is no obligation for them to have Halal certification. We appreciate that they took immediate cognizance and responded to us in a timely manner. This shows their responsibility.
Speaking to IANS in New Delhi, he said that we have asked him through a notice whether the contractors who sell food or the suppliers who supply meat in the Railways are following the Halal method or the Jhatka method. This is also important because according to Darul Uloom Deoband, only Muslims can slaughter animals as per Halal method.
Being a government agency, it should be clear about the method by which the meat is being prepared in the food that Railways is selling. Hindus and other Dalit communities slaughter meat using the Jhatka method. All types of meat should be sold to ensure the right to livelihood of all sections of people.
Priyank Kanungo further said that along with Railways, a notice has also been issued to FSSAI asking them to consider such possibilities where non-vegetarian items sold in India should be clearly specified as to whether they can be consumed by people of all religions or not. If there are restrictions for anyone, they should be told clearly.
He said that another minority community in India is the Sikh community. There is a sacred rule book for the followers of Sikhism, in which it is clearly written in Article 24 that Sikhs should not eat meat prepared according to Islamic Halal method. It is prohibited for them. If meat prepared in a particular manner is prohibited for the Sikh community, then serving the same food to them unknowingly amounts to a breach of religious faith and a violation of human rights.
–IANS
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