Gujarat govt agrees to talk with maldharis on cow slaughter issues

The state government finally swung into action on Wednesday to convince Maldharis on cow slaughter issues in Gujarat. This development comes three days prior to the deadline set by the community on this matter.  

"We met four representatives sent by government to discuss cow slaughter issues in Gujarat. They assured invitation to our community leaders for discussion on or before September 16," said prominent Maldhari leader Nagji Desai.   

According to Desai, the meeting with these representatives was held at Dudhrej village in presence of all prominent Maldhari leaders. These representatives include Babu Desai (sitting MLA from Kankrej), Ranchhod Rabari (former minister), Ranabhai Rabari (president, BJP's Maldhari cell) and Dr Sanjay Desai who is chairman, Gopalak board. "Government has finally agreed to discuss our demands concerning illegal cow slaughter in the city.

Representatives today said that authorities will send an official invitation to our community leaders on September 16," said Desai. 

Maldharis had earlier threatened to hold a mass rally towards Gandhinagar with their cattle if their demands were not met. On August 17, they gave a one-month deadline to the government to formulate a law to stop cow slaughter. The government, just three days before the deadline, sent their delegates to convince Maldharis on the issue.

However, Maldharis have kept their options open if the government fails to invite them on or before September 16. "If we don't get invite till evening (of September 16), we will start our protest from next morning (September 17) as per our prior announcement," warned Teja Desai.