Ayodhya, May 23 -- In a significant move aimed at strengthening communal harmony ahead of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), Iqbal Ansari, a prominent local figure and former litigant in the Babri Masjid land dispute case, urged the Muslim community to completely avoid cow sacrifice during the festival.

Ansari has also formally requested the government to designate the cow as India's "national animal" and "national heritage", arguing that granting legal constitutional status would put a definitive end to cases of cow-related vigilantism and mob lynching.

Speaking to ANI regarding his initiative, Ansari stressed the importance of respecting the religious sentiments of neighbours to safeguard the country's social fabric.

"This is a matter concerning ...