Indian PM Modi Comes Down Hard on Cow Vigilantes Again
Tells states to take strict action
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday asked state governments to take strict action against cow vigilantes as he sought the support of opposition parties in tackling “communal violence” in the name of cow protection.
At an all-party meeting a day before the Monsoon Session, he also cautioned against giving political or communal colour to the issue. “The PM urged all parties to extend their support to the government in fighting corruption and the issue of communal violence in the name of cow protection. “Modi said state governments must ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict action must be taken against those who break the law,” an official statement quoted Mr Modi as having said in the meeting.
Mr Modi’s statement assumes significance as the opposition also plans to target the government on several recent instances of violence in the name of cow protection.
The PM also underscored the belief of many Hindus that a cow is like a mother, but said that this should not let people take the law in their own hands and every state government should act against the violation of the law, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting.
Opposition parties have attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the cases of cow vigilantism, in which Muslims and Dalits have often been targeted.
Mr Modi also mentioned the presidential poll, slated for tomorrow, and said it would have been very good had a consensus been reached on the candidate.