1966 anti-cow slaughter agitation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1966 anti-cow slaughter agitation was the agitation by Hindu organisations in 1966 to demand a ban on the slaughter of cows inIndia, 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. Instead police fired on the peaceful rally, killing many Sadhus in the firing. The Home minister, Gulzarilal Nanda, resigned, taking responsibility for the administration's failure to maintain law and order.