NOW, SHIA GAU RAKSHAK DAL TO CHECK COW SLAUGHTER IN UP

LUCKNOW: Cow vigilante groups in Uttar Pradesh got an unexpected shot in the arm on Friday when a group of Shia Muslims announced the formation of the Shia Gau Raksha Dal in the state’s capital to spread awareness against eating beef.

The group aims at combating cow slaughter not only in UP but also in other parts of the country. UP is one of the 22 states in India where cow slaughter is banned.

“Our group will work across India to make efforts to check cow slaughter,” said Shamil Shamsi, president of Shia Gau Raksha Dal.

Shamsi said the group already had around 40 members.

“But our aim is to rope in at least 10,000 more. This will make the group’s functioning more effective,” he said while announcing the group’s formation on Friday.

The Gau Raksha Dal will function in two phases. In the first phase, members will create awareness drives, especially in Muslim-dominated localities.

“Work under phase one has already started. We are distributing pamphlets to create awareness on the issue,” Shamsi said.

In the second phase, the group members will draw police’s attention towards those parts of the state that are infamous for cow slaughter.

“There are many localities in the state where cow slaughter still takes place. They are far from the reach of police. We will highlight these places to ensure action against illegal slaughter,” Shamsi said.