Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 28: The district unit of BJP on Monday April 28 held a protest over filing of murder case against Naveen Naik, the ANF staff who shot dead cattle trader Kabeer in a case of mistake identity at Sringeri on April 19.
Addressing the protestors, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar said alleged that the ruling Congress is giving special preference to minorities in the name of communal harmony.
On behalf of the BJP, he put forth the following demands - immediate release of ANF trooper Naveen Naik from custody, withdrawal of compensation to Kabeer's kin, withdrawal of IPC section 302 (murder charge) imposed on Naveen Naik, and the tightening of rules related to cow slaughter and maltreatment of cows, while also conducting unbiased investigation into such incidents without any external pressure.
Sunil Kumar further said that this was the first instance he had seen where the government had filed a case against those protecting the lives of the people. "This will demoralize the ANF," he added.
He said that cases must be filed against U T Khadar and Mohiuddin Bava for 'sheltering cattle thieves'. "Is the Congress party running a government or a Taliban group?" he said.
He further said that Naxalite activities were rapidly increasing over the past 10 years. Referring to police officer Mallikarjuna Bande’s tragic death, Sunil Kumar said, "They (government) did not provide compensation to his family soon after his death. This might be the cause for the diminishing confidence in the police force."
"I would fee proud to reborn as a great soldier like Naveen Naik," he added, "Cattle thieves and Naxals deserve to be shot at sight."
He also sarcastically commented that one of the initiatives of the ruling government was the ‘Chor Bhagya’ scheme.
Former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said that with the ANF shootout case, Congress has proved itself to be favouring minorities.
"The compensation awarded to Kabeer's kin proves that Congress is more supportive of
minorities than the Hindu community. It is a matter of shame. This will promote violence against animals," he said.
Justifying the protest, he said, "This protest has no political motive. This is for safeguarding the lives of the people and to ensure peace.
"The government should take immediate action against such activities, if not, the ministers should resign. The government should protect the police and empower of women," he said.
Prior to the protest meet, a rally was taken from BJP office to Chittaranjan circle.
District BJP president Thingale Vikramarjuna Hegde presided over the meeting.
Lalaji Mendon, Gopal Suvarna, Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, Sheela K Shetty, and others were present.