Hyderabad : Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir has expressed concern over ineffective implementation of ban on cow slaughter.

"Cow slaughter is already illegal across the country. 24 out of 29 states currently have various regulations prohibiting either the slaughter or sale of cows. But, unfortunately the same is not implemented effectively. Cow holds a special place in Indian culture. Protection of the cow, regarded as Gomatha is not only the responsibility of just Hindus, but, it also the responsibility of every Indian," said Hansraj Ahir, on his visit to Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Nivas, the South India’s biggest Gau Nivas at Gaganpahad in Rajendra Nagar, on Thursday.

Addressing the 1,000 plus gathering, Hansraj Ahir said mere slogans won’t stop cow slaughter or killing. Nor it will stop by warning people, abusing, accusing, beating or killing. "We must make people realize the importance of cow peacefully," he said.

"There is a need for setting up more cow shelters to protect cows from slaughtering and killing. Rajasthan Government announced that it would invest Rs 50 lakh on setting up Go Shala (Cow Shelter) in each district of that state. Maharashtra Government has also shown special interest in setting up Go Shalas," he said.

"Cow is useful in many ways. Cow urine is used in medicine, he said. And added that unfortunately, I am surprised to find that a large number of cattle are being smuggled from Bangladesh via West Bengal. I urge the state to stop the illegal practice. Their protection is considered very sacred and every Indian is concerned about it. In Tripura, a BSF officer gave up his life to protect Holy Cow. We come across all sorts of people. And I am happy to note that due to the efforts of the people of India, the speed at which cows used to be slaughtered, killed, smuggled has come down," Hansraj added.

Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, appreciated Dharam Raj Ranka, a city-based old jeweler, who dedicated his life for the protection of the cow and set up Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Nivas and running it successfully by giving shelter to 5,300 cows rescued from slaughter house.

Earlier, Hansraj Ahir participated in Ganapathi Koti Modak Mahayganam held in the Satyam Shivam Sundaram Premises. He later inaugurated Tulabharam and offered Tulabaram. “Thulbaharam” is a ritual in which the devotee submits offerings worth his weight. Hansraj weighed about 80 kgs and offered Jaggery worth his weight.

Dharam Raj Ranka, ex-DGP Anurag Sharma, Telangana BJP President Dr. K. Lakshman, Begum Bazar MLA Raja Singh and others were also present.