The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat praised the Indian Army and the government for taking strong measures in the wake of the Uri terror attack and said genuine 'gau rakshaks' (cow protectors) should not be equated with "undesirable elements" raking up the issue of cow slaughter for personal and political gains.

The comments came at the  annual Vijayadashami address of Bhagwat. The comments was seen as an unequivocal endorsement of surgical strikes undertaken by the Army across the Line of Control in Kashmir amid a growing opposition chorus accusing the government of politicising the issue in the run up to the UP elections.

The RSS chief’s views on cow protection, that the “administration should not weigh the law-abiding citizens and anti-social elements on the same scale", seemed in contrast to PM Modi’s earlier statement that most of the cow vigilantes are anti-social elements masquerading as gau rakshaks.

The RSS Chief said that, “I heartily congratulate our Government and our valorous soldiers and all the wings of our Armed Forces, who, through an efficient and expert move, have given a firm and befitting reply to this wanton attack. This firmness and the efficiency shown in the matter of diplomacy and defense should permanently reflect in our policy.”

“While ensuring that the laws for the prevention of cow slaughter are flawlessly implemented and general law and order is also strictly maintained, administration should not weigh the law-abiding citizens and anti-social elements on the same scale,” he added striking a different note from Modi.

"It remains to be seen whether the recommendations of the committee are in sync with the wisdom of the educationists and activists in the education field.The blueprint of a suitable framework required to bring about a shift in the direction would be available then only, or else, the consensus would remain a mere pipedream," Bhagwat said.

Nandini