India, Aug. 15 -- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said unity was essential to protecting Sanatan traditions, noting that the country had suffered because people were divided and lacked unity.

Addressing a programme in Ayodhya to commemorate the life and contribution of late Mahant Paramhans Ramchandra Das Maharaj, Adityanath spoke at length about the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the transformation of Ayodhya and historical conflicts over religious sites, particularly Sambhal.

He said the country had suffered because people were divided and lacked unity. Adityanath recalled questioning some clerics over the use of the word "animal" for the cow.

"Our Sanatan tradition and India's heritage - why did you call the cow an...