Protests against mob lynching: VHP alleges conspiracy to malign 'gau rakshaks'

New Delhi: Calling recent protests against lynching “a conspiracy by a section of society” to malign the image of “gau rakshaks” (cow vigilantes), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday demanded a central law for cow protection. [caption id=“attachment_3504887” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of VHP members. AFP[/caption] Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, VHP General Secretary Surendra Jain said: “Some placard-carrying groups have been trying to malign our image. They are the same people who sympathised with Yakub Memon, demanded proof of surgical strike, stood behind Kanhaiya Kumar and supported jihadis. The ‘award wapsi brigade’ is behind this.” The campaign against the VHP was apparently sponsored by the meat exporters’ lobby, who were concerned over business losses, Jain said. “We are of clear view that the vested interests are creating poisonous atmosphere in the country. It can be checked only through a strong anti-cow slaughter central law and its effective implementation. Once the law is implemented, there will be no need for a struggle,” he said. Jain added that Mahatma Gandhi had said that Swaraj was incomplete without “gau raksha” (protection of cows). Reacting to allegations of involvement of gau rakshaks in recent lynching cases, Jain said: “You cannot be selective. Cow killers and jihadis have carried out over 120 deadly attacks on gau rakshaks. They even attacked police.” “Many gau rakshaks were hacked to pieces. Was it not lynching? The VHP does not support any kind of violence, but one cannot be selective.” When asked about his reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning killings in the name of gau raksha, Jain dodged the question by sating: “Six months ago, Prime Minister had also said that gau seva is important.”