India: Muslim group holds veg-only Iftar parties to create Hindu-Muslim unity

Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), a Muslim organization in India, has said that it will hold veg-only Iftar parties during the holy fasting month of Ramadan to send a message of Hindu-Muslim unity.

The MRM also plans to serve cow milk due to its benefits over beef.

Salim Khan, state convener of MRM, said the group plans to organize special Iftar parties to spread the message of cow protection and the ill effects of eating beef.

Khan, who is also a businessman, noted that they have plans to hold Iftar parties in all major cities and district headquarters in India.

“Muslims and Hindus from all walks of life will be invited,” he added.

The Muslim Rashtriya Manch was founded in 2002 with the stated aim of bringing Hindu and Muslim communities in India closer together. It has also expressed support for many of the causes espoused by the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including the banning of cow-slaughter.

Cows are thought to be sacred, or deeply respected by Hindus. In various incident in recent years, the so-called “cow vigilantes” have attacked and in some cases killed dozens of Muslims on suspicion of cow smuggling or eating beef.

Over a month ago, a mob of angry cow protectors attacked 15 Muslim men while they were transporting cattle on suspicion of smuggling the cows.

In similar incidents in the past two years, at least ten Muslim men are believed to have been killed by cow vigilantes under similar accusations.