In line with the Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision, several Hindu organizations in South Goa are demanding a ban on the sale of Halal-certified products, arguing that Halal certification is a system that creates confusion and discrimination among consumers.
The groups which included Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, submitted a memorandum at Ponda police station in South Goa on Tuesday, seeking action against halal products. The coalition lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for cracking down on halal products in his state, saying that he has taken a bold step to protect the interests of the majority community.
“Products with halal tags are sold everywhere openly. In Goa, too, we can see the same situation,” Satyavijaya Naik, who is an AAP candidate from the Valpoi constituency, told IANS.
“Halal-certified food, cosmetics, medicines, from ‘Namkeen’ to dry fruits, sweets, grains, oil, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, nail polish, lipstick etc. are being sold everywhere from small shops to big malls. Hence, we have demanded from the government to take action,” Naik said.
“Halal certification of food products is a parallel system which creates confusion regarding the quality of food items and is not tenable under Section 89 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, “he further argued.
While the Goa government has yet to respond, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a nationwide ban on halal-certified products, alleging it to be a form of “economic jihad” jeopardizing the country’s sovereignty.
