Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jul 8: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and other like-minded outfits will hold a massive protest on Monday July 13 against cattle trafficking and slaughter at Central Maidan (Nehru Maidan) here at 4 pm.

This was announced by executive president of VHP Karnataka province M B Puranik at a press meet here on Wednesday July 8.

"Just as poultry, goats and other animals are transported, even cows are being taken to slaughter houses. Not even ten percent of the cows are bought by paying money - instead they are stolen from huts and fields where they left to graze," Puranik said.

"From past two-three days our activists have waited and noticed these thefts and informed the police, but no action has been taken against the culprits. In Charmady our activists stopped illegal transport of cattle and handed over the accused to the police. There is no protection to our volunteers and cases are booked against them. Hence, on July 13, we will hold a protest meet at Central Maidan for which people would be coming from Udupi, Dharmasthala, Talapady, Karkala, and other places. This is to warn the government and the administration against letting cattle thieves go scot-free," he said.

Dr P Ananthakrishna Bhat, provincial executive president said, "Our fight is against the administration. On the one hand, the government talks about giving support price for milk, but on the other hand it is supporting illegal cattle transport. Milk is essential to everyone irrespective of religion. So in this regard, all people who support cattle protection will join and the protest meet will be held at Nehru Maidan. We do not intend to hurt any religion. This is only to create awareness. We have been spending more than Rs 4 lac every month on 'goshala' to protect cows, but the government has not even given a single rupee to support this cause. We can see complete failure of CM Siddaramaiah-led government."

Activists of VHP, Bajrang Dal and other outfits from Udupi, Dharmasthala, Talapady, Karkala and other places will reach Panambur, Kudupu, Adyar and Pumpwell and hold a rally towards Central Maidan, where the meet will be held. More than 10,000 people are expected to join, Puranik said.

Kateel Dinesh Pai, provincial Goraksha Pramukh, Sharan Pumpwell, Bajrang Dal leader, Jagadish Shenava, district president of VHP, Jitendra Kottary, Gopal Kuthar and others were present.

Appeal against VHP protest

Meanwhile, United Muslim Organization led by former mayor K Ashraf has submitted an appeal to police commissioner S Murugan, the district administration and the Karnataka government urging them to deny permission for the VHP rally. 

"The protest and the rally on July 13 may lead to untoward problems in the district. As it is the month of Ramadan and Eid is approaching, such a protest and rally may result in religious sentiments being hurt and provoke unrest. Hence we request the police department, the district administration and the government not to grant permission for this rally," the appeal states.

The organization also requested that organizers, speakers and activists at the rally and protest should be warned against making provocative speeches and added that if any untoward incidents take place, the police department, the district administration and the government should take complete responsibility and initiate strict action against offenders. "This rally and protest has been organized as recent attempts by some outfits to disrupt peace in places like Munchoor, Maripalla, Tadambail and Konaje were unsuccessful," the organization alleged in the appeal.