SRINAGAR: The Jammu-based Jan Jagran Manch on Saturday staged a street protest against halal certification of products in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a complete ban on the practice in the Union Territory except for exports.
Addressing reporters during the protest, a Manch leader said the organisation wanted the government to adopt restrictions similar to those in Uttar Pradesh. He claimed halal certification affected the livelihoods of Hindus and Sikhs and said the protest was aimed at creating public awareness about the issue.
The organisation said halal certification should, in its view, be limited to consumers who specifically seek such products or to essential items where required.
The Manch also called for the government to take control of product certification and regulate and monitor the process through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), rather than private certification bodies.
“We are not sure where the money raised through halal certification goes,” the leader said, seeking greater transparency over the collection and use of certification and renewal fees.
The Manch further alleged that halal certification was no longer confined to meat products and had expanded to sectors including cement, iron, hotels, tourism and medicines.
The leader alleged that private organisations were collecting crores of rupees annually through certification and renewal charges, while claiming there was insufficient transparency over the tracking and utilisation of the funds.
The allegations and demands were made by the Jan Jagran Manch during Saturday’s protest and represent the organisation’s position on halal certification.
