Meerut: A priest here has threatened to undertake Santhara, the Jain ritual of fasting unto death, if the government does not enforce a ban on meat exports.
Prabhu Sagar Maharaj, a Jain priest, said if the government does not acquiesce to his demand by January 17, he would take the vow of Santhara.
Speaking to reporters here, the priest said that at a time when the country is earning sufficient foreign exchange, meat export is no longer necessary.
He expressed fears that if slaughter of lactating animals continue, then in the future people would suffer for want of milk.
The Jain priest also appealed to Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan, who had earlier called for a ban on meat exports, to support his cause