A group of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) activists who were calling for celebrating ‘Vegan Id’ were mobbed and one of them was roughed up by some residents of Bhopal on Monday.
The activists were urging people to celebrate vegan Id-uz-Zuha. They had assembled in front of Tajul Masajid, the biggest mosque in the country. However, as soon as they reached the pre-decided venue, a group of local people gathered there and registered strong opposition to the plea of the PETA activists.
District Collector Nishant Warwade told ‘The Pioneer’ that the activists did not seek any permission for demonstration at the venue. later, the police have registered a criminal case under sections 295 and 34 of the IPC (Inciting communal feelings) against the PETA activists and released them on personal bonds.
As soon as residents saw PETA members carrying the message, they raised slogans like 'PETA, go back' and 'Mazhab mein dakhal-andazi band karoo' (Don't intervene in religious matters).
In the ensuing clash, an activist, Benazir Suraiya was roughed up while other activists left the spot. local residents, especially, traders, objected to the venue chosen by PETA activists.
"This is the first time they are interfering in religious issues of any community. Issuing an appeal is different and standing in front of a mosque to change the way we celebrate our festival and observe faith is different", said a protester in front of the mosque.
Stones were hurled and residents forced the PETA members to retreat. However, a number of people upset over PETA's message, swelled in no time. Sensing trouble, policemen surrounded Benazir Suraiya and wisked her away.
In a message that was being circulated through SMS and WhatsApp, it was told that PETA's Muslim activist would be present at the awareness campaign. The police officials said they were looking into the matter.
Poorva Joshipura, PETA India CEO, said, “PETA organises peaceful animal protection awareness programs for Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Janmashtami and other holidays, as well as Eid and it is shameful that in working to stop violence, our volunteers were made to suffer violence.”