Mangaluru: Pro-hindutva groups including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) staged protest against the illegal cow trafficking and illegal cow slaughter in the district at DC office in the city on Wednesday, July 3.
Speaking on at the protest VHP executive president Jagadish Shenava said, "Since 20 years we are fighting against illegal cow trafficking and cow slaughters. It is an appreciable move by police commissioner Sandeep Patil of warning the 104 cattle offenders. This has happened for the first time in the district. It can be recalled that when the court ordered to hand over the cattle, rescued at Jokatte, back to the transporters, the elated cattle transporters celebrated the decision and burst fire crackers, which was later shared on social media."
“As retaliation to the court order of releasing the cattle, buses were pelted with stones. The culprits of the act were arrested and beaten up badly. They should be punished, but we condemn the beating and treating them as murderers. We should act on the illegal cow trafficking and cow slaughter or else after 15 years, we will be in a situation where we might have to visit zoos to see cows as there will be hardly any, left in the country," he claimed.
“Constitution has given the right to stop the illegal activities. We will raise our voice on this issue. But we will not take law into our hands as we respect it. When such things happen, we, the Hindu community, need to be alert and inform the Police commissioner personally so that he will take timely action on it," he advised.
“If the cows are old, I request them to be sent to the Gau Shala. We will treat those cows in good manner till its last breath,” he claimed.
Addressing the gathering, Barang Dal state convener, Sharan Pumpwell said, "Now-a-days, destruction of cows is being executed in a planned manner. The government and people's representatives are not doing anything to stop this senseless carnage. Cows are being illegally and inhumanly trafficked. When all this is happening, how can you expect us to sit quiet? All these things should meet logical end. Cows should be protected in coastal Karnataka. In Dakshina Kannada, there is a special police squad to stop cattle trafficking. Likewise, we want one such squad in Udupi district. Cow Protection Board should be established to extend protection to cows," he said.
Sharan said that according to law cows need to be protected and wondered why the police failed to know information regarding cow trafficking and slaughter, even while Hindu activists come to know about them. He pointed out that the only authorized slaughterhouse in the coastal districts is located at Kudroli where only ten to 12 cows are slaughtered on a daily basis and yet 2,000 beef stalls are operating in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. There he wanted to know why no government action has been taken against them. He demanded that all illegal slaughterhouses to be closed down within a short time frame.
Hasanabba death case
Speaking of the Hasanabba death case, Sharan alleged that the police were framing innocent people and harassing them and said, "Our people were not involved with this incident. Fake cases are being registered against Hindu activists. We demand that these cases should be withdrawn," he said.
"We respect the sentiments of people following all the religions. But you are hurting Hindu sentiments. Whether festivals are important for you or use of beef? Do you give importance to festivals or peace of mind? We request you not to give rise to unrest among Hindus. We can even die for protecting cows. Law against cow slaughter should be respected and followed," said Sharan.
Before starting protest, women performed Gomatha pooja. Bhajans were also sung by protesters. A copy of the petition was handed over to deputy tashildar Ashwath.
