AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi today termed as "mere lip service" the prime minister's statement against violence in the name of cow protection and said the BJP and Sangh-affiliated outfits have put a lower premium on human life.

The Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad said this is the second time Narendra Modi has spoken on the issue but it did not have any effect at all on Gaurakshaks (cow vigilantes), nor did it bring down the incidents of killing or lynching.

"So, this is merely lip service and there is many a slip between the cup and the lip ... the majority of incidents have taken place in BJP-ruled states. How is it that the BJP-ruled states are not able to stop it?" he asked.

Owaisi said such incidents would continue because the BJP and Sangh-affiliated organisations have put a lower premium on human life as compared to that of an animal.

"This will continue to happen because there is a lesser premium on human life, especially if the human being is a Muslim or a Dalit," he alleged.