Nagpur: In a unique demonstration that drew attention across the city, members of the Muslim community on Monday organised a rally in Nagpur demanding that the cow be declared India’s national animal. The march was held from Samvidhan Chowk to the District Collector’s office, where a memorandum addressed to the Central Government was submitted.

The rally witnessed participation from a large number of Muslim community members from different parts of the city. Participants raised slogans promoting communal harmony, including “Hindu-Muslim Zindabad” and “Stop Politics Over Hindus and Muslims,” while calling for an end to political disputes surrounding the issue of cow slaughter.

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The demonstrators argued that instead of allowing the issue of cow protection to become a source of social and political division, the government should grant the cow the status of a national animal in recognition of its cultural, agricultural and economic significance.

In a symbolic gesture, the protesters also decided to present a calf along with their memorandum to the district administration as part of their campaign.

Addressing the gathering, rally leader Babu Khan said that the cow occupies a special place in India’s cultural heritage and rural economy. He maintained that granting national animal status to the cow would strengthen efforts toward its protection and preservation.

Khan further stressed the need to promote Hindu-Muslim unity and urged political parties not to use issues related to cow protection to create divisions within society. He said the campaign was intended to send a message of communal harmony and mutual respect among different communities.

The unusual nature of the protest generated considerable discussion in Nagpur throughout the day, with many observers viewing it as an attempt to link the issue of cow protection with a broader appeal for social unity and communal goodwill.

The memorandum submitted to the authorities is expected to be forwarded to the Central Government for consideration.