In two states, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, two decisions of the government have come simultaneously. In Madhya Pradesh, cremation of cows was made mandatory, while in Rajasthan, the effect of BJP coming to power was that in two small villages where more than 600 cows were killed every day, cow slaughter is now banned. Not only was cow slaughter stopped, but even the criminals have fled from the village. Many evidences of open cow slaughter was present in the beef market located in the Kishangarhbas area of Khairthal Tijara of district Alwar for a long time. Hundreds of cows were being killed here every day, but the police was silent spectator during the Congress regime, as if everything was moving here with CM’s consent.
There are laws in the country, in Rajasthan, under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal Act 1995, there is a provision of 3 to 10 years of jail and a fine of Rs 10,000 for cow slaughter and keeping beef. In this context, an important amendment was also brought at the state level in the year 2017. Also, at the national level, such provisions have also been made under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, under which there is a provision of up to 5 years in jail for torturing or killing animals. But from the brutality with which animals associated with the Hindu faith were being killed, the mentality of hatred towards Hindus in the environment here can be easily understood.
Look at the blatantness of this crime that a large number of people from nearby areas and even other states used to come here to buy beef. Home delivery facility was also being provided from here in about 50 villages of Mewat, Haryana. Beef biryani was sold openly in the area. Many people were earning more than Rs 4 lakh per month by selling meat and skins. It is good that the people here gave victory to BJP, otherwise I don’t know how many more cows might have been brutally killed!
Many times in history, what our elders said in relation to time, we also interpret them as per our own convinience. In fact, those who support cow slaughter often remember the 1958 Supreme Court decision and Mahatma Gandhi. At that time, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had ruled that cows of all ages (except calves) that are not capable of producing milk or bearing weight can be slaughtered. The court had classified such cattle as “useless”. But four decades later, in 2005, the apex court universally approved a complete ban on cattle slaughter, regardless of whether the cattle were worthless or useful. What is interesting in this judgment is that, among other things, the Court, to prove its point, reminded us that India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba, Mahavir, Buddha, Nanak and other great men and said that the weaker has more need for safety and compassion, hence we should not kill the cow and make maximum use of it in life.
In Mahatma Gandhi’s book ‘Hind Swaraj’, he had given his opinion on cow protection in response to a reader’s question. He says, ‘I myself worship the cow, that is, I respect it. Cow is a useful animal in many ways. Even Muslim brothers will accept this. But, just as I worship cows, I worship humans also. Just like a cow is useful, so are humans. Be it Muslim or Hindu. Then will I fight Muslims to save the cow? Will I kill him? By doing this I will become the enemy of both Muslims and cows. Therefore, I would say that the only way to protect the cow is that I should join hands with my Muslim brother and convince him to save the cow for the country. If he doesn’t understand then I should let the cow die, because that is not in my control. If I feel extremely sorry for the cow, I should sacrifice my life, but I should not take the life of a Muslim. This is the religious law, I believe so.’
You think; Did Gandhi have the same views on cows? The answer is definitely no. Because Mahatma Gandhi has advocated for safety of cows from time to time. Gandhi says, she (the cow) seems to be saying to us in the language of her eyes: God has made you our master not so that you can kill us, eat our flesh or mistreat us in any other way, instead you remain our friend and protector.” (Young India, 26.06.1924). Gandhiji believed that the stigma of cow slaughter should be removed not only from India but from the entire world. He wanted this work to start from India. He has written – “My wish is that the principle of cow protection should be recognized throughout the world. But for this it is necessary that first the plight of the cow should improve in India and it should get a proper place” – (Young India, 29-1-1925).
In this way, Mahatma Gandhi is seen directly advocating the safety of cow on many occasions. Apart from ‘Hind Swaraj’, it is mentioned at many places in Gandhi’s life philosophy that he was a great devotee of cows and he gave utmost importance to cow service for India’s economy. Certainly, today Rajasthan government’s sensitivity towards cows is reflected and Madhya Pradesh’s Mohan government has shown concern about cows by making it mandatory for proper cremation of cow. These steps need to be appreciated by everyone.
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