Hyderabad: Not only Hindus but every citizen of the country has a responsibility towards cow protection, given its importance in human life, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said today. Addressing a programme at Gaganpahad on the outskirts of the city, the minister also said that cow slaughter regulations are not implemented effectively by states.

Underlining that cow holds a special place in Indian culture, the BJP leader said, "Protection of cows, regarded as Gaumata, is not only the responsibility of Hindus, but of every Indian".

"Cow slaughter is already illegal across the country and 24 out of 29 states currently have various regulations prohibiting either the slaughter or sale of cows.

Unfortunately, the same is not implemented effectively," the minister said at an event.

The event was organised by a cow shelter called Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Nivas.

On the occasion, Ahir also urged the West Bengal government to take measures to stop illegal smuggling of cattle to Bangladesh from its border.

He said the practice of cow slaughtering would neither stop by shouting slogans nor by abusing, accusing or killing people.

"We must make people realise the importance of the cow peacefully," the minister said.

He also underlined the need of setting up more cow shelters to protect their slaughtering and killing.

"I am surprised to find that a large number of cattle are being smuggledÂ toÂ Bangladesh via West Bengal. I urge the state to stop the illegal practice. Cow protection is considered very sacred and every Indian isÂ concernedÂ about it," he added.

The Telangana BJP unit president B Laxman accompanied the minister to the event, the release said. (PTI)

Also read: Modi Government’s U-Turn On Cows Slaughter Notification