Modi denounces cow vigilantes, wants them exposed, punished

Terming cattle as country's wealth, he said a handful of people were trying to create tension in the society in the name of cow protection.

"I would like to tell all countrymen that they beware of these fake cow protectors," Modi said.

The Prime Minister asked the states to identify people who want to destroy the social fabric and take stern action against them.

"These handful of people must not be allowed to destroy your good work for their vested interest," he said, while addressing a public meeting on his first visit to Telangana after assuming office.

Modi's comments come at a time when his government and BJP are facing flak over incidents of violence against Dalits and Muslims by cow vigilantes in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Modi said there is a need to "expose" these people so they do not succeed in their nefarious designs.

India is a land of diversity, he said, adding "protecting our country's unity and integrity is our primary responsibility. To fulfil it all countrymen should protect and serve cows (gau raksha and gau seva karein). Such service enhances national wealth.... it does not create problem for the nation".

"But fake (cow protectors) destroy society and country. We need to beware of these people. There is a need to punish these people. Then alone can we take the nation to great heights," the Prime Minister said after inaugurating a host of development projects.

In his first Town-Hall in Delhi, Modi had yesterday strongly rebuked the cow vigilantes, saying most of them were "anti-social" elements running "shops" in the name of cow protection which made him "angry".