PM Modi asks state govt. to take stern action against cow vigilanties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday issued a warning to those threatening the country with anarchy in the name of cow protection, and asked state governments to take stern action against such individuals.

The strong message from the prime minister came at an all-party meeting on the eve on the monsoon session of Parliament, where Opposition parties are gearing to corner the Centre on the increasing incidents of cow vigilantism, among other issues.

“Some anti-social elements have made cow protection a medium to spread anarchy. Those interested in disturbing amity in the country are benefiting from it,” Modi said at a meeting attended by senior Opposition leaders.

Noting that such incidents affect the image of the nation, the prime minister said the Centre has issued advisories to the state governments to take tough action against such anti-social elements.

“We revere the cow as our mother. People’s emotions are attached to it. But we have to understand that there is a law to protect the cow. Breaking laws is not an option,” Modi said.

“All political parties must condemn the hooliganism that is being carried out in the name of cow protection,” he said. This is the second time in less than a month that Modi has denounced violence in the name of cow protection. 

On June 29, he had criticised cow vigilantes during a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, the prime minister had said, “He would have shown us what a true gau rakshak is. He would have never approved of cow vigilantism.”

His remarks had come days after a teenager was killed in a suspected incident of cow vigilantism on a train near Delhi.