Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 27: A day after Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik visited the city and expressed objection to the recent Iftar Souharda Koota organized at Sri Krishna Math led by Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji, the Youth Congress on Tuesday June 27 hit out at Muthalik alleging that he was trying to spoil peace and communal harmony in Udupi.
Addressing a press meet here, distrist Youth Congress president Vishwas Amin said, "When people of all religions and communities are living in harmony in Udupi, Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik is trying to disrupt peace. He is doing this for propaganda.
"On July 2, the Sri Rama Sene will hold a protest against Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji's gesture to host Iftar get-together for Muslims in Sri Krishna Math premises. Youth Congress strongly condemns this. We will not allow the protest to take place, and if need be, will hold a counter protest on the same day with police permission. And if they try to gherao the Sri Krishna Math, we will stand with Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji and extend support," he said.
"Udupi has set an example for peace and communal harmony with people from different communities co-existing here for centuries. Though the neighbouring district of Dakshina Kannada has witnessed communal violence time and again, it has not affected Udupi. The reason for this is Udupi's peace-loving population. But people like Pramod Muthalik are trying to disrupt peace and spark communal unrest here by blowing small issues out of proportion.
"Pejawar Swamiji who is a beacon for the entire country when it comes to fostering communal harmony, is a strong protector of Hindu religion. At the same time he has affection and respect towards other religion too. He has set an example by visiting Dalit colonies.
"The Muslim community has contributed a lot to Sri Krishna Math. We strongly condemn Muthalik for terming Muslims as cow slaughterers and thieves. Every person has right to choice of food. Muthalik should understand that no one has given him the right to decide what others should eat," Amin said.
Vignesh Kini said, "Pejawar Swamiji has always supported secularism. The Muslim community also respects him and has invited him to mosques and religious programmes. Sri Rama Sene should not be biased with one religion, and instead should respect all religions equally.
Moving on to other matters, Kini said that on July 9, a huge district-level party convention will be organized by the district Youth Congress. Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes and other state-level dignitaries are expected to be take part in the convention.
Abdul Azeez, secretary, state Youth Congress, Santhosh, Kaup block Youth Congress and Dheeraj were present.