Q:Recently in Kerala there was an incident of RSS group attacking people who were selling meat in the name of cow slaughter. There was a call by the RSS chief that there must be a national ban on cow slaughter. How do you see this phenomenon of banning cow slaughter and also attacking people who eat meat? Are they not imposing the high caste culture and ways of life on the low castes? Is it not contrary to the democratic spirit of the country? Are you apprehensive about it happening in Kerala? Don’t you think the BJP always falls in line with the lines drawn by the RSS and they want to impose anything of their will by the power of might and violence?

A: “Human life is more important than anything else and that is the fundamental law. Human dignity is to be respected. We also respect animals, plants and every-thing. But environmental eco-logy should not dominate over human ecology. It is true by this ban on cow slaughter they are imposing the high caste culture over the low castes. At the same time we should remember that it is done by a few of the minority people and that is the problem with our situation. Always Pope Francis says the problem makers are a few. So they should be addressed. Every government should take a better hand on these issues. There are States with rules that prohibit cow slaughter but can we say that this is the rule of the national government. Of course, they may have their own agenda but that is different. We have to also objectively analyze. We cannot fully say that all are alike. In every party or religion there are few who want to impose their own ideology over others but it will not help peaceful co-existence of humanity. It is completely against the democratic spirit. In Kerala it is very sad that this has taken place. Here I do not think majority accept that. Also the BJP attitude is different and they don’t have unanimous opinion about it. To certain extent I agree that BJP falls in with the RSS. If the RSS wants to impose it by threat it is not all going to help society and it is against the fundamental principles of human life.”

Bp Selvister Ponnumuthan
Diocese of Punalur