After a protest by 200 Jain monks, it is now illegal to sell or eat meat in the city of Palitana in Gujarat. The decision led to the closing of 250 butcher shops and inspired other cities in the state to follow suit. This landmark decision has created Palitana is considered one of the most sacred cities and Jain pilgrims flock here in large numbers. Located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat it is known for its magnificent cluster of temples.
In Palitana, in particular Jain monks had been protesting, asking for the butcher shops to be shut down and making the act of killing animals, the buying and selling of meat and its consumption, illegal. Their protests are believed to be based on the principles of Jainism where ahimsa or non-violence plays an important role. Jains believe that no living being – be it humans, insects, birds or animals should be hurt, let alone killed or eaten.
This ban means that the sale and consumption of meat as well as the butchering of animals for meat is declared illegal and punishable by law in the city of Palitana. The supporters of the ban claimed that any public display of meat affects the culture of a place and could also hurt religious sentiments of many. They claimed that this can also have a negative impact on children. Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat said that meat shops especially those located in clusters in busy areas cause traffic congestion and not having them will help reduce traffic.
