A viral online petition has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should impose a ban on Eid al Adha across India to prevent cruetly to animals.
Eid al-Adha is one of the two prominent Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide. Also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice," it commemorates Abraham's (Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma'il) after being commanded by God to do so. But then when God sees Abraham's readiness, he stops from doing so and offers him a ram instead.
In India, the festival is known as Bakr-Id because of the tradition of sacrificing goats. In some places, camels and cows are also sacrificed.
The online petition urges President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the "bloodshed." The petition, which has been put on care2 petitions, has been signed by thousands from across the globe.
"Many Indians have chosen to Sacrifice Animals in the name of God for the Eid festival far too long now," says the petition put up by a person by the name Lauren Sawyer.
The petition even goes on to state that a child witnessing the 'bloodshed, beheading and slaughter' of innocent animals should be considered 'child abuse.' And at least on these grounds, the killing of animals in the name of God should be stopped, argues the petition.
The petition till now has been signed by 1,763 people. And once it reaches 2000 signatures, it would be presented to the government.
It also has been shared 1,506 times on Facebook and 2,874 times on Twitter.
Eid al Adha will be celebrated in India on 23 September, 2015.
