Media Release
Manjeshwar, Aug 9: The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) staged a protest at Hosangadi here on Sunday August 7, opposing the proposed Prevention of Communal Violence Bill by the union government.
Addressing the protesters HJS co-ordinator Mohan Gowda said that the union government has proposed the Bill with the interest of the minority community in mind and to punish the majority of Hindus.
He also said that Sonia Gandhi is the chairperson of the draft Committee that has anti-Hindu members including Teesta Setalvad, Mahesh Mondel, and minority community members such as Asgar Ali.
As per the Bill, one needs government approval to take action against the minority community where as speaking against them or publishing articles on the community will be considered as crimes which will carry imprisonment of 3 years or a fine. It is an attempt to stem the freedom of expression of Hindu brethren which was bestowed by the Indian Constitution. It will not rescue Hindus if they are attacked by the minority community, he added.
Gowda further said that under Section 9 of the Bill, it is mentioned that the police, government officers and media should come to the rescue of minority community in case of communal violence. Union government is empowered to dissolve a state government in case of an incident of communal violence in the state, under 355 of Indian Constitution, by announcing the violence as internal law and order disturbance. Union government will form a national authority with 7 members for protecting the minority community, and members of the minority community will hold key positions and be the majority in it.
Prashant Kumble in his address said that the Bill also says that, district and states commissions will be formed in each state to award justice and compensation in case of communal violence.
In case of rape on a woman from minority community there is a compensation of Rs 5 lac to Rs 15 lac. However, in case Hindu women, it is not a crime and a mere compensation of Rs 30,000 will be paid as per the Bill, he added.
Prashant further stressed that Karnataka already has IPC, CRPC and TADA laws that are much effective in curbing any incidents of communal violence. Hence there is no need for a separate Bill. He termed the Bill as an effort by the union government to lure minority community.
Prashant further expressed that HJS and several Hindu organizations are collectively staging protests all over the state to condemn the union government for taking extra interest in protecting minority community by stemming Hindus.
Prashat informed that The memorandum opposing the Bill has been presented to state authorities and support MPs in the state has been sought.
Protests and signature campaigns will be held in various districts of the state including Raichur, Bijapur, Dharwad, Mangalore, Bangalore, and Udupi in this regard and memorandums will be submitted to Indian President Pratibha Patil, he added.
Vice president of Hindu United Forum in the state Ravish Tantri Kuntaru in his address said that the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill 2011 proposed by the central government is just to attract votes from minorities. If this law comes into force Hindus cannot hold religious awareness programme and service to the nation.
Under the Bill non bailable case can be registered against Hindus. Hindus can also be punished with imprisonment and confiscation of possessions by the government for holding religious awareness programmes, Tantri said.
He also condemned the Bill for as it divides the Hindu community by terming scheduled caste and scheduled tribes as minorities. He called upon all Hindus to work for religion and the country.
Sectional secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishat Taranath, Manoj of Hindu Yuvasene, Rohit of Bajarangadala, chief of Ayyappa Temple Dinakara B, religious leaders and community members participated in the protest.