Expressing concern over the rise in cow smuggling and cow slaughter in the country, Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s central secretary general Milind Parande has demanded that the state governments and the local police administrations not only take drastic action against such incidents but also take appropriate steps with full sensitivity to prevent their recurrence in future.
He said that recently, just before Bakrid, the VHP-Bajrang Dal workers and other cow rakshaks (protectors) brought the issue to light by saving the cow progeny from the clutches of cow smugglers in various parts of the country.
“These are only a few of the incidents of cow smuggling which have increased in recent times and the information of which continues to be received every day from many parts of the country,” he said.
“In some states, anti-cow-slaughter laws may be lenient or slipshod but in most of the states, in spite of tough laws, cow killers and cow smugglers are active due to the laid back attitude, negligence or connivance of the police administration. In these areas, cow guards have to put their life in danger and come down on the roads, which is very worrying,” Parande said.
The VHP secretary general also said that despite the anti cow-slaughter statements of Muslim ulemas at various times, such pre-Bakrid incidents had only seen an increase in the last few years. “Therefore, scholars, leaders and elders of the Muslim society should also take serious steps for the enlightenment of the constituents of their society,” he said.
“The Hindu society is committed to protection of cow progeny and would not allow cow slaughter or cow smuggling at any cost,” he added.
The VHP has demanded that all state governments and police administrations take suo motu action against cow killers and cow smugglers so that cow rakshak are not forced to come on the streets.
He also said that in some states, during Bakrid days, relaxations were given to vehicles to transport more number of animals over its certified capacity. He demanded that such practices should not be allowed to protect the animals against cruelty.