Gauraksha should not be a reason for polarisation in society: RSS

Following Mohan Bhagwat's assertion that cow protection must be looked at beyond religion, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday echoed similar sentiment and said that the practice should not be a reason for polarisation in society.

Speaking to ANI here, RSS Ideologue Rakesh Sinha said, "Mohan Bhagwat has given a new dimension to narrative of cow protection that this thing should not be confined to a particular religion and should not be a reason for polarisation in society."

Sinha further asserted that anti-vigilantism should also not become a reason for discouragement for those who are sincerely protecting cows.

Earlier in the day, RSS chief said rearing of a cow is not a matter of religion even as he condemned violence in the name of gauraksha.

"It is reprehensible that some people have been killed allegedly by gaurakshaks. In fact, violence of any form is. Rearing of a cow is not a matter of religion. I know many Muslims are involved in rearing and protection of cows. Many Muslims have sacrificed their life in protection of the cow just as people of Bajrang Dal have," he mentioned.

"We must look at the issue of cow protection beyond religion," he added.