Kolkata, May 18, KNT: Cattle traders in parts of West Bengal have alleged a sharp decline in livestock trade activity amid reported restrictions and administrative measures linked to cow and buffalo slaughter, with several sellers claiming that business in traditional cattle markets has nearly collapsed.
Traders in different market areas said the uncertainty surrounding slaughter regulations and fear of legal action had significantly reduced the number of buyers visiting cattle markets.
Several traders, many of them Hindus engaged in livestock trading for decades, alleged that the situation had adversely affected their livelihoods and accused authorities of pursuing policies that they described as divisive.
“There are hardly any buyers now. The atmosphere has changed completely and business has suffered badly,” some traders said while expressing concern over the future of the trade.
According to traders, Muslim buyers have also become increasingly reluctant to purchase cattle due to fears of scrutiny and restrictions linked to slaughter activities.
Some traders further claimed that directions had been issued discouraging animal slaughter in residential localities, contributing to uncertainty among both buyers and sellers.
The traders alleged that political and communal polarization had damaged long-standing social and business relations traditionally associated with cattle markets in the region. [KNT]
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