Syed Arshad Madani

Several religious leaders walked off the stage from the 34th General Session of Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, after the President of the organisation Syed Arshad Madani made a controversial speech.

The government should consider declaring the cow as the national animal, Jamiat Ulema-i- Hind president Maulana Syed Arshad Madani suggested as he expressed concern over the "atmosphere of fear" following attacks by gau rakshaks. "The government should give national animal status to the cow and we will support it," Mr Madani said.

An outfit representing Muslims on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent when ruling party MPs were "spewing fire" against minorities and asked him to declare his government's policy towards them.

Several religious leaders walked off the stage from the 34th General Session of Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, after the President of the organisation Syed Arshad Madani made a controversial speech.

The government should consider declaring the cow as the national animal, Jamiat Ulema-i- Hind president Maulana Syed Arshad Madani suggested as he expressed concern over the "atmosphere of fear" following attacks by gau rakshaks. "The government should give national animal status to the cow and we will support it," Mr Madani said.

An outfit representing Muslims on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent when ruling party MPs were "spewing fire" against minorities and asked him to declare his government's policy towards them.