Joint protest calls for tougher punishment for those guilty of cow slaughter, removal of encroachments from grazing land
REWARI — Members of Hindu religious groups and sections of the Muslim community came together in Rewari in Haryana to press for stronger legal protection for cattle, including a demand to declare the cow as the national animal.
The protesters, including representatives of saint groups and local organisations, marched through parts of the town and submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the district administration.
Participants said they were calling for stricter action against cow slaughter and urged the government to introduce tougher penalties. Some speakers demanded provisions such as life imprisonment for those found guilty.
A representative from the saint community said, “We are requesting the government to bring strong laws to stop cow slaughter and to give the cow the status of a national animal.”
Leaders also raised the issue of alleged encroachments on grazing land. They appealed to the authorities to clear such land so it can be used for cattle.
What drew attention was the participation of members from the Muslim community alongside Hindu groups. Local leader Shakoor Khan said, “We have joined this effort because it is linked to social harmony. Protecting animals and maintaining peace in society are both important.”
He added, “We have earlier appealed at the local level as well, but now we want stronger action so that such issues do not affect relations between communities.”
Some protesters warned that if their demands are not considered, they may take further steps, including large-scale peaceful protests.
Locals said the joint participation of different communities sent a message of cooperation. One resident said, “When people from different backgrounds come together, it shows that the issue is being seen beyond religion.”
Officials have received the memorandum, but there has been no formal response yet.
The rally has brought attention to ongoing debates around cattle protection laws and how they are implemented, while also highlighting efforts by some groups to present the issue as one of shared
