Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Aug 20: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math on Saturday August 20 condemned the murder of local BJP leader Praveen Poojary at the hands of right-wing cow vigilantes, and stressed that though efforts to protect cows should continue, no one should resort to violence. He also felt that backward communities and Dalits were being attacked in the name of protection of cows.
Speaking to reporters here, Pejawar Swamiji said, "Atrocities against innocents from backward communities and Dalits in the name of cow protection were seen in Gujarat and other states, but now it has happened in Udupi too. The incident has brought shame to the entire nation.
"This incident has lent a blow to Hindu dharma. Activities directed towards any cause, including protection of cows, should be carried out in a non-violent manner. No matter what, it has to be peaceful. Such incidents incite anger among people, and instead of garnering their support, they hinder the cause of cow protection.
"Innocents should never be attacked. Even if someone does wrong, no one should take law into one's hands. There are lawful ways to deal with wrongdoing," he said.
"I am pained by this incident. They have killed Praveen Poojary without knowing facts. Even if the cause is protection of cows, nobody should be attacked, that too to such an extreme.
"I fully support the cause of protecting cows. But it should be done in a non-violent way. Whether the person is Hindu or from a minority community, everyone has equal right to life," he said.
"Cattle trafficking has been going on from long, and the government should have taken appropriate steps to curb it. So, even the government is responsible to some extent. But even now, if the government takes stern action in this matter, such incidents can be prevented in future," he opined.