Muslim Lawmaker’s ‘Save the Cow’ Campaign in Uttar Pradesh wins the hearts of Hindus

HENB | Lucknow | Aug 6, 2015:: “Since Hindus, who are our elder brothers, see cow as ‘Gau Mata’, we respect their beliefs. I, along with other Muslims, will take oath to save cows at any cost” says a Muslim MLA of Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. Haji Zameerullah Khan, Samajwadi Party MLA from Koil assembly in Aligarh district has launched ‘Gaye Bachao Andolan’ (Save the Cow campaign) as part of which members of the Muslim community will take vow not to slaughter cows or consume its meat. This initiative has also been welcomed by the Hindu organisations.

In this “save cow” campaign, Muslim clerics will visit mosques and administer oath to the members of the community to save cows and prevent cow slaughter.

“I had consulted several leading clerics and have taken the decision in light of the teachings in Quran. It has not been mentioned anywhere that cow slaughter or eating cow meat is mandatory. We should respect our brother’s religion and respect cow,” Haji Zameerullah Khan said.

The Muslim clerics, while highlighting the importance of cows and its benefits, will also stress on peaceful co-existence with Hindus by respecting cows. The first oath will be taken in Aligarh’s Tappal town on Friday. “Tension prevails in the area following a report of alleged cow slaughter recently. Six persons had been arrested. We will take Muslim clerics from Aligarh and administer the oath,” Khan said. The exercise will be repeated at different mosques every Friday.

Khan said, “Cow is sacred to Hindus, who are like big brothers. As far as cow slaughter is concerned, one man slaughters the animal and defames the entire community. Why do something to hurt their feelings?” he said.

The SP lawmaker said that when other “alternatives” like buffalo and goats were available, why such slaughter of cows hurting the Hindus?

“We gave a memorandum to the SSP recently in this regard. Even Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is against cow slaughter. Even Muslims want it therefore, it should be stopped,” he said.

To stop cow slaughter, Khan has prepared a proforma in which every person who sells cows will be required to mention his name, address, contact details and the purpose of selling the animal. The same will be applicable for the buyer too.

The MLA said that he has given the proforma to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and it has been implemented in some places.

Khan said he would raise this issue in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly as well, adding, “I have prepared the proforma on my own. If the House agrees it can make necessary changes.” Khan said a number of Hindu organisations have lauded the campaign.

“It is a good and welcome move. There should be no cow slaughter as it is beneficial for humanity,” VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma said and called for participation from members of both the communities.

Haji Zameerullah, who represents Koil Assembly seat in Aligarh, actually an ancient place dominated by Dor tribe of Rajput lineage before Muslim invasion and conversion hazards. Maximum Muslims in these areas has a natural bond and respect for the Hindus and their customs as said by a septuagenarian Sufi community head told HENB.

Though some critiques describe the matter as a political stunt to capture Hindu votes by ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, the others hail the matter as a great initiative to make a permanent solution over the tensions from cow slaughter in particular.

A majority section of people bears the idea that Hindus should abandon pork eating and Muslims should reject beef, which may pave an amity and fraternity between the two communities to maintain a healthy and peaceful coexistence.

__with inputs from PTI.

Responses