Seers warn government not to repeal anti-cow slaughter law

Mangaluru: A conclave of sadhus and pontiffs of various Hindu mutts of the coast was held here on Friday, that resolved to oppose the Congress government’s move to repeal amendments to the anti-cow slaughter and anti-conversion laws.They warned of leading state-wide protests if the government goes ahead with its decision on anti-cow slaughter and anti-conversion laws. “Repealing the laws against cow-slaughter and religious conversion will lead to social unrest,” seers told reporters after holding a meeting here on Friday. Sri Gurudevadatta Samsthanam pontiff Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji said that the government should not repeal the laws at any cost. “Cow slaughter should not be allowed, even if the animal is old. The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act should be implemented strictly. All gaushalas in the state should be maintained and sanctioned funds should be released for them,” he said. Further, on the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, the pontiff said that the government’s plans of repealing the law are a part of its anti-Hindu policy, warning that religious leaders will hold state-wide protests including hunger strike, if the government does not pay heed to their demand. Will approach court: SeerSeer of Vajradehi Mutt, Sri Rajashekharananda Swamiji, said that the government’s move to repeal the anti-cow slaughter and anti-conversion laws will be challenged in the Supreme Court. “After the Chaturmasya Vrata in September, a delegation of sadhus and pontiffs will meet chief minister Siddaramaiah and bring the issue to the notice of the government,” he said. On the anti-communal wing of the police established in Mangaluru, the seer said that the enforcement body should function under the legal framework. “We have information that those who were involved in cases are being threatened through the anti-communal wing, and steps are being taken to expatriate them. Such moves will send the wrong message to society. Hence, the police department should be cautious about it,” he said, adding that the seers will meet soon on uniform civil code for the nation. Heads of various mutts in the coastal district were present.