1966 anti-cow slaughter agitation

In 1966, Hindu organizations agitated to demand a ban on the slaughter of cows in India, as enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India. Among others, the Shankaracharya fasted for the cause. The agitation culminated in a massive demonstration outside Sansad Bhavan in New Delhi on 7 November 1966 (as per Hindu Panchang, Vikram Samvat, Kartik Shukla Ashtami, famously known as Gopashtami among Hindus).

The Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi did not accept the demand for a ban on cow slaughtering. A mob of 10,000 advocates against cow slaughter, led by Hindu holymen tried to storm the parliament, but were prevented. The mob then rampaged through the capital city. A 48 hour curfew was ordered, all the meetings were banned. The Mob also attacked the then congress president Kamaraj's Delhi residence and set it on fire.

The Home minister, Gulzarilal Nanda, resigned, taking responsibility for the administration's failure to maintain law and order. The Shankracharya Niranjandev Tirth, Swami Karpatri and Mahatma Ramchandra Veer observing a fast for killing of sadhus. Mahatma Ramchandra Veer observing 166 days longtime fast at that time.

See also

• Cattle slaughter in India
• Cow protection movement

References

• International Society for Cow Protection