UIN for cows good but still need ban on slaughter: Saffronists

While saffron outfits have welcomed the Union government’s proposal to have a  Unique Identification Number for all cows in the country, they are still rooting for a complete ban on cow slaughter.

On Monday, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that it had accepted the recommendation of an expert group to provide a tamper-proof Unique Identification Number, (UIN) using polyurethane tags for the cows to put a stop to their illegal smuggling.

"The intention behind providing UIN is to protect cattle and we appreciate it. But it will not stop the stealing and illegal slaughter of cattle," said Bajrang Dal state convener, Sharan Pumpwell.

In his view the UIN could only help if the stolen cattle was seized by the authorities while being transported.  "But what if the cattle is stolen and slaughtered immediately. The beef will have no identity," he pointed out, also concerned that not all state governments would protect the cow as told. "The only solution is for the government to enforce a complete ban on cow slaughter. It should bring in a law to award life imprisonment for illegal transport and slaughter of cattle and the vehicles used should be seized," he insisted.

VHP Pranth Gorakshak Pramukh Kateel, Dinesh Pai was afraid that if the UIN was tagged to the ears of the cattle, those involved in their illegal transport would cut them off.

Congress minority cell state vice president and United Muslim Front convener,  K Ashraf, however, demanded that the Centre  first stop the export of beef before attempting such measures. "Let the government stop the export and then think of UIN for cows," he suggested.