If I enter Arunachal, you will kill me? I’m ready to die for 'Gau Mata', says Swami Avimukteshwaranand

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj expressed his deep disappointment after being denied entry into Arunachal Pradesh from Donyi Polo Airport for his "Gau Dhwaj Yatra." The spiritual leader released a video statement addressing the incident, highlighting his commitment to cow conservation and his desire for dialogue with the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

In the video, Swami Avimukteshwaranand, said, “If I enter Arunachal, what will you do? You will kill me. So, I am ready to die to protect the cow, whom we call our mother.” He said that if he were to be arrested instead, it would tarnish the reputation of Arunachal Pradesh, a state he believes contributes to India’s rising prominence. “I do not want Arunachal to have a bad name,” he said.

The Swami extended an invitation to students and the local populace urging them to engage in dialogue. “I request the students to come to me, talk to me, discuss with me, meet me. I will come again if you say so,” he said. He said that it would bridge differences between them. He expressed a strong desire to foster communication and find common ground, insisting, “I am not your enemy.”

The controversy arises from prior protests organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (APSU) against the Swami's visit, which aimed to promote the importance of cow protection and address the negative implications of cow slaughter. Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that upon arriving at the airport, he was informed by state police officials that his presence might incite public unrest. He questioned the rationale behind being barred entry as a citizen of India and said that he has never spoken against the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

“The students should focus on education instead of protesting against me,” he said while also highlighting the irony of students opposing him based on their dietary choices. He said, “The only reason I am being stopped is that I consider the cow as a mother, while some protestors regard it as food.”

Speaking on his previous interactions, the Swami noted that he had addressed the issue of cow protection during a press conference in Uttar Pradesh, where he criticized local practices concerning cow slaughter. He mentioned receiving a letter indicating that his arrival in Arunachal Pradesh would lead to protests and potential vandalism at the airport. "This is illegal; students should not engage in such activities," he said.

Expressing his commitment to unity, he urged for peaceful discussions and said, “India’s strength is Arunachal Pradesh and Arunachal’s strength is India. Let us talk and discuss. It is said that through dialogue, solutions can be found.” 

Despite his willingness to engage, he expressed frustration at the lack of representatives from the student organizations to facilitate dialogue. He remarked, “Now that I have come to Arunachal Pradesh, I want to talk and discuss. Where are the leaders? I am surprised that when it comes to discussions, no one is available.”

Swami Avimukteshwaranand reiterated his commitment to promoting cow conservation while seeking understanding and cooperation with the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. “I have come with a small flag that reads 'Gaumata Rashtramata.' I want to make India one and for that, we must communicate,” he said leaving the door open for future discussions and interactions.