Modi wants action against cow vigilantes

Prime minister cautions parties against giving political or communal colour to the issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday 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 prime minister 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,” an official statement quoted Modi as having said in the meeting.

“Modi said state governments must ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict action must be taken against those who break the law,” it added.

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 prime minister also underscored the belief of many Hindus that cow is like mother, but said that this should not let people take law into their own hands and every state government should act against violation of the law, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters. Cow vigilantism, farmers’ protests, Kashmir unrest, action of law enforcement agencies against some opposition leaders over alleged corruption and India’s standoff with China are some of the issues likely to dominate the Monsoon Session beginning today.

The Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha will be adjourned today due to the death of sitting members of both the Houses and normal proceedings are expected from Tuesday. The session is slated to conclude on August 11.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad made it clear Sunday that the Congress and other opposition parties will target the government over the issues of Kashmir and the stand-off with China.

Targeting the government on the Kashmir issue, he said the government has “closed all doors for dialogue” on it which has led to “political suffocation” in the Valley.

Opposition parties have attacked the BJP over the cases of cow vigilantism, in which Muslims and Dalits have often been targeted.

Modi also mentioned the presidential poll, slated tomorrow, and said it would have been very good had a consensus been reached on the candidate.

He, however, said a level of dignity” has maintained by both sides. “high been