Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 13: The regional units of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal here have noted that the DK Muslim Union has demanded for setting up of slaughterhouses in every taluk of the state. They have condemned the move and asked the government not to meet this demand.

Divisional secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sharan Pumpwell, said in a press statement that Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act has been in force in the state since 1964 and that sacrificing (Qurbani) of cows has been banned for people of all religions since 1975. "Already a number of cases have been registered in the state under the said act. In the meantime, the above organization's demand for bringing another law banning cow slaughter in Karnataka and support extended by several Muslim organizations to it are measures to mislead the people," he felt.

Pumpwell stated that the Muslim Union on one hand, has been supporting passage of law banning cow slaughter, while on the other, it has been demanding for setting up of slaughterhouses in each taluk. He condemned this demand, noting that the Hindu sentiments have already been hurt regularly because of cow slaughter, theft of cows and illegal slaughterhouses. He said that opening of new slaughterhouses should not be allowed at any cost.

"It is the responsibility of the government to care for the cattle rescued during their illegal trafficking but it has not been doing anything in this matter. Although hundreds of cows are being looked after by cow shelters set up on behalf of the government, the government has been paying only 25 percent of the cost (Rs 17.50) of rearing only 200 cows at present,” he said.

Pumpwell also stated that it is the duty of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals headed by the deputy commissioner of respective districts to ensure that provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act are properly implemented. He said that the failure of this society has given rise to large scale cow slaughters. He urged the deputy commissioner to properly enforce provisions of all the relevant acts to ensure that not a single cow is slaughter.