Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 1: Coastal region should not become a laboratory for communalism. Having seen communal polarisation in North India, I do not want it to spread here,” said Dr Naseer Hussain, AICC general secretary.
Speaking to the media at a press meet held on July 1, Dr Naseer Hussain said a final report will be submitted to the government next week regarding their findings during the two-day visit to Udupi district. “We are not here to collect facts about murders alone. We are worried about why such incidents are taking place in this highly literate district. It affects not only Congress but the entire nation. These activities are also impacting the economy of this region. Over one lac students come here, but now many are withdrawing,” he said.
Dr Naseer Hussain added, “When we came to Mangaluru earlier, we spoke to every stakeholder and prepared an interim report. We are trying to bring amendments to curb hate speeches. We have already taken some short-term decisions. As a party that upholds the Constitution, Congress must be strengthened. No one has the right to kill anyone. No single religion or caste becomes communal on its own; every community has to act responsibly.”
V R Sudarshan said, “This is a communally sensitive district but is ahead in education. If no one supports or promotes hate speeches, it will help in the development of the coastal region.
Currently, 2 percent of people are creating a negative atmosphere, while 90 percent remain silent. The victory of only one party is dangerous for the development of the district. People and voters of the coastal region must transform and give Congress an opportunity to fulfil its social responsibility. It is concerning that communal riots are taking place in a district of intellectuals. It causes economic setbacks and discourages investments. Rioters must be punished appropriately under the law.”
V R Sudarshan further noted, “On June 4, 5, and 6, we were in Mangaluru to understand the ground reality. Udupi is an educational, tourism, and religious hub. The few people who spread communalism here reduce investments. Our interim report was sent to the president and chief minister, and based on it, an anti-communal task force has been proposed. Hate speeches are the biggest reason for communal disturbances in this district, and those responsible must be severely punished. We are against violence. Electing all representatives from the same party is dangerous, there must be a balance and a strong opposition. We request the people of Karavali to give us an opportunity to bring changes. Nobody is above the Constitution.”
Jayaprakash Hegde, former minister said, “This organisation is not for any particular religion. It punishes anyone who does wrong. An environment where women and children fear to walk should not be created; this is why we formed this organisation.”
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has sent a delegation to Udupi with the aim of creating an atmosphere of communal harmony in the coastal districts. The delegation visited Udupi Krishna Math, Jamia Mosque, and Mother of Sorrows Church, and held meetings with various organizations and community leaders.
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, president Udupi District Congress Ashok Kumar M A Gafoor, Kimmane Rathnakar, Prasad Raj Kanchan and other leaders were present.