India, June 11 -- LUCKNOW Sale of meat on the winding streets of Kashi will soon become a thing of the past. The Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) has finalised a roadmap to relocate all retail and wholesale meat, poultry and fish shops outside the city limits, a move officials say will preserve the city's religious sanctity but which has left local vendors fearing for their livelihoods.

Sitting at his five-decade-old meat shop near Golghar in Orderly Bazar, Kamaruddin Quereshi's hands move in a familiar rhythm - chopping, weighing and packing meat for his loyal clientele. But behind the routine lies a deep anxiety.

"This decision is neither good for traders nor customers. Our shop has become a brand in these many years. If it is relocated, my...