Pics by Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network — Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 4: Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike held a protest against the central government regarding suppression of human rights defenders on Friday July 3 near the Clock Tower in the city.

K Paniraj condemned the principles and policies of the central government. “The Modi government is harassing NGOs and ignoring their development. Most of the human rights defenders like Teesta Setalvad, Rohini Salian, a public prosecutor of Malegaon blast issue, and GN Saibaba are deprived of governmental support,” he alleged.

“The government imposed a case of corruption on Setalvad and an investigation is on. She is the founder of Sabrang Trust and Citizens for Justice and Peace. Now she is facing a CBI probe because there are allegations that she took economical support from the Ford Foundation of America. Therefore, all accounts were blocked by the government intentionally,” accused Paniraj terming it worse than the country’s emergency period. He called the Modi government a ‘selfie- government’.

“Central government could not take photos of encounters and communal issues. Medha Patkar was also a victim of Gujarat state,” said Paniraj.

He condemned the decisions of Prime Minister Modi and alleged that on one hand he is making allegations against public prosecutors and on the other hand, the court is releasing terrorists after charge sheeting them.

Rajshekhar said, “The central government is harassing every constitutional government. Rohini Salian is the chief public prosecutor for the state of Maharashtra and a strong defender of democracy. Finally, the truth was revealed that the Malegaon blast was done by Hindu communalists and not Muslims. Hemanth Karkare was another victim of this communalist party.”

Jayanth Malpe and Muhammad Idhris were also present.