Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)
Udupi, Nov 23: “I am indebted to all the Muslim brothers and sisters who handled the matter of murder of four people of a family at Nejaru patiently and thereby became a model to the society,” said parish priest of Kallianpur Mount Rosary Church Fr Rock D’Souza.
Fr Rock was speaking in the condolence meeting that was held by Muslim federation at Nejaru. He further said, “What should not have happened has taken place. But I appreciate the Muslim community for their patience and non-violent attitude. Though there were many instigations, the Muslim community has seen it all with patience. We have to console those who are grieving. But that consoling has to come from God.”
Yasin Malpe, president of the federation said, “In the past two to three years, Udupi has made news all over the world for various reasons. Our media channels telecast hot news. Now again, Udupi is in news. The incident that has taken place was not heard of in the history of the district. Everyone has shed tears for what has happened. Hence we have organized this condolence meeting. There have been protests, procession of the mortal remains etc in similar cases, but we will not use this forum to create hatred. We do not have words to console Noor Mohammed. It was projected as if those from Udupi are communal and intolerant. But I am proud today. I thank our Hindu and Christian brethren for their support. Many Hindus did not celebrate Deepavali in the light of the tragic incident.
“If auto-rickshaw driver Shyam had not given witness to the police, it would not have been easy to catch the accused. Buses took the passengers for free as the road was blocked. Mahabala Tolar made arrangement of drinking water. When we asked for the auditorium, the church management gave it free of cost. The real religion is sharing the sorrow of one another. I thank all the police officers. Inquiry should be held in fast track court and the accused should get stringent punishment. His act does not reflect that of the religion he belongs to. There is no religion for a murderer,” he said.
Noor Mohammed, head of the victim family, said, “I at a loss of words. I have your patience and tolerance in me. I first thought I only have my family. But now the whole society is my family. This is my biggest strength. No family should face such a situation.”
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said, “This type of incident has never occurred in the history of the district. Recently in Puttur, two or three murders and murder attempt cases were witnessed. But the police department there worked negligently. However, here chief minister Siddaramaiah nominated a capable officer. Within 40 hours of the incident, the accused was caught. The police department has worked efficiently. This incident has shown the DNA of the people of Udupi.”
M A Gafoor, Hilda D’Silva, Nagesh Udyavara, Balakrishna, Janardhana, Sunder Master, Dr Sunita Ashraf, Mahabala Tolar, auto-ricksahw driver Shyam, Kishan Hegde and Ramesh Kanchan also spoke and offered their condolences.
Dr Sunita Shetty recited a poem for the departed souls. Udupi taluk president of the federation, M S Nejar presided over the function. Yasin Kodibengre compered the condolence meeting.