Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, May 25: Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike (communal harmony forum) on Friday May 25 staged a protest demanding appopriate action against miscreants who smeared cow dung on Prof Pattabhirama Somayaji and also protested against the proposed amendments to cow slaughter Act that has been sent for President’s approval. The objection was raised here in front of the DC’s office.

"In a democratic set up, such dastardly act of throwing cow dung is condemnable. Immediate action should be taken not just on the miscreants but also against those who motivated the act," the protestors said.

Pattabhirama was targeted by Bajrang Dal and Sangh Parivar simply for speaking on the issue of cow slaughter, they said.

K L Ashok, chief secretery of the forum and G Rajshekar spoke on the occasion.

Alluding to the ‘Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 1964, they said that the Act permitted slaughter of old and infertile cows and animals above the age of 12. Despite this allowance, cattle transporters are daily targeted by the Sangh Parivar, they said.

In addition, recently, the state government had sent a proposal to the President urging further amendments. This amended Act considers cow slaughter as a grave, non-bailable offence and attracts severe imprisonment of up to 7 years.

Therefore, it’s reported that from June 1 to 15, a signature campaign would be held and forwarded to the President of India, raising voice against the amendement of the Act. The campaign is all about claiming the fundamental right for nutritious food, the protestors said.

Representatives of many organizations of different communities took part in the protest. Dalit leader Dhikkayya, J Abdul Khadar, Aliyasan, Vishnu Murthi, A R Kemmaiah, Alwyn Colaco and Nigel Pereira were present.