The Supreme Court refused to stay its previous order on Wednesday and asked butchers and livestock traders to move to Ghazipur.

The three-member Bench, headed by Justice V S Sirpurkar, said: “We are all status quoists. We do not want to change. When the whole slaughterhouse has been shifted, what are you going to do?” The matter will next come up for hearing on November 18.

The court has directed the organisations representing the butchers and livestock traders to file their replies, stating their objections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s claim that requisite facilities are being provided at Ghazipur. Until the next hearing, the Idgah abattoir will remain closed.

Meat associations plan to hold another meeting at the Idgah tonight to decide on the continuation of the strike. Sources told Newsline that opinion is divided, with more people expressing support for ending the strike. “The decision will be announced after the meeting,” said Sirajuddin Qureshi, president, All India Jamiat Quresh.

Despite expressing support for the agitation, the fish and poultry associations are yet to join the strike. “Our businesses are separate and, unlike them, we have got adequate facilities in Ghazipur,” said Mohd Umar Pappi, vice-president, Ghazipur Poultry Association. The fish and poultry markets were moved from Jama Masjid to Ghazipur in 1992.

The prices of chicken and fish, meanwhile, continue to soar. The price of high-quality fish, such as freshwater sole, has risen to Rs 580 a kg. “Chicken is cheapest at this time, but wholesalers are inflating the prices,” said Tejinder Singh of Taste in Defence Colony. The Poultry Association confirmed that there had been no slackening in supply of chicken and fish. Sales, however, have gone down by as much as 50 per cent, with consumers staying away due to hygiene concerns.

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