Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 26: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math observed a day-long hunger strike protesting against cow slaughter in front of Kaniyur Math, Sri Krishna temple here on Sunday, February 26.
Addressing the protestors, Swamiji said, “Nowadays, there is no space to build cow sheds. Why cannot rich people who opt to adopt dogs, adopt a cow? Everyone including the rich should take a firm decision on protecting cows. Goshalas should be constructed at every temples in villages,”
“Protecting cows is the responsibility of the state government than the central. Why is the state government not taking stern action against cow slaughter?” he questioned.
“This issue relating to cows is not limited to one specific caste or religion. Cow gives milk to all without any discrimination. Everyone should come forward on humanitarian grounds. Dr Ambedkar also agreed with this principle. All along with minorities should join hands to protect cows and demand to enact a strong law against cow slaughter,” he stressed.
“The central government has certain limitations to implement laws on cow slaughter, but the state government has full right to enact laws. There is a need to bring amendments in the Constitution on cow slaughter and animal trafficking. The state government is delaying to take a firm stand,” he said.
“The hunger strike is a symbolic agitation to create awareness among public and to save cows. The protest should be continued in a non-violent path. The general public should exert more pressure on the ruling party and threaten them of not voting them to power,” stated Swamiji.
Sri Kalahastendra Saraswati Swami, Anegundi Math, Katapadi speaking at the protest said, “Every individual should come forward to preserve cows. Politicians have slipped into sleep mode. People have to wake them up”.
Supporting the protest, Sri Vidyavallabha Swamiji of Kaniyur Math said, “People from all religions should be united for this cause. We all need to have strong will power. Temples’ administration board should come forward to build cow sheds at temple premises.”
Junior Pejawar Math Swamiji Sri Vishwaprasanna, Vilas Nayak, VHP president; former MLA Raghupati Bhat, Mattar Ratnakar Hegde Udupi district BJP, president; Vishwa Hindu Parishad regional working president M B Puranik, Raghupati Thantri and others were present.