New Delhi: Days before the Bakrid, that is known for animal sacrifice in large numbers, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has banned animal sacrifice in the open. Sources told MyNation that Adityanath took the decision in a high-level meeting where he instructed the police to ensure that the decision is implemented on the ground. The meeting was attended by ministers and top babus of the state.

Speaking to MyNation, health minister of the State Sidharth Nath Singh said, “Yes the chief minister has asked to ensure there’s no animal sacrifice in the open. We are not against the ritual. But doing it in open has hygiene considerations and the decision is purely based on that”.

However, sources in the UP administration indicate that since the Kanwar procession is on, and animal sacrifice in the open has a potential to spark off communal tension, the government came up with this decision.

Historically speaking, Uttar Pradesh witnesses mass animal sacrifices in the open during Bakrid, with blood spilling on to the roads and flowing down the drain. Bakrid will be celebrated on August 22 across the country.