NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday objected to the “insistence” by a section of the Muslim community on cow slaughter during Eid-ul-Azha and said religious sentiments of the Hindu community should be respected to ensure peaceful coexistence in society.VHP central joint general secretary Surendra Jain said the Hindu community worships the cow as “Gau Mata” and alleged that repeated arguments supporting cow slaughter hurt Hindu sentiments.“The Hindu society worships the cow as mother. Despite this, continuing such insistence is extremely unfortunate. New arguments are being made every day to justify cow slaughter, and these are hurting the sentiments of the Hindu society,” Jain said.He also objected to arguments seeking to declare the cow the “national animal”, claiming that referring to “Gau Mata” merely as an animal insults the sentiments of Hindus.“Calling Gau Mata merely an animal is an insult to Gau Mata and Hindu society’s sentiments. The attitude towards symbols associated with the nation and Sanatan traditions is well known,” he said.Referring to past incidents, Jain cited the 2017 animal slaughter regulations and alleged that cows are slaughtered openly in some states after the rules were introduced.“When rules were framed in 2017 to regulate animal slaughter, cows were also included. In some states where governments were supportive, cows were allegedly slaughtered openly. The displays that took place were extremely unfortunate and condemnable,” he said.The VHP leader said anti-cow slaughter laws are in force in more than half of the country and asserted that the Hindu community will not tolerate cow slaughter.“Hindu society will not tolerate cow slaughter at any cost. People should understand the sentiments attached to Gau Mata and respect the laws already in force in large parts of the country,” he said.Invoking history, Jain claimed that the 1857 revolt was also linked to the protection of cows.“Hindu society fought for the protection of Gau Mata even during the 1857 revolution. Society can go to any extent for the protection of its faith and beliefs,” he said.He also stressed the need for mutual respect among communities. “If peaceful coexistence is to be maintained in society, then every community should learn to respect the religious beliefs and sentiments of others,” Jain said.