Rabat/New Delhi     In the African country Morocco, the government has imposed a complete ban on sacrifice before Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) this year. This announcement has been made by King Mohammed VI himself in view of the severe drought and economic crisis in the country. After the order, the purchase and sale of goats and other sacrificial animals has been banned across the country and animals already purchased are being seized.

Goat market closed after royal decree
After the government order, all animal markets have been closed in Morocco, due to which thousands of traders and farmers have been badly affected. Those selling sacrificial animals are facing huge financial losses.

Question on religious freedom
99 percent of Morocco's population is Muslim and Bakrid is a major religious festival here. In such a situation, this ban has spread deep resentment across the country. Many videos are viral on social media, in which the police are entering homes and confiscating sheep and goats. The general public is considering this as government interference in religious customs and an insult to sacred traditions.

Both support and opposition
Government sources say that this decision has been taken in view of the dire water crisis and economic recession. Some people have described the government's move as the need of the hour and in the interest of public health, while religious organizations and local citizens are calling it a violation of religious freedom.

The question arose: Does the government have the right to ban religious practices?