Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Nov 21: The district BJP and VHP along with other right-wing organizations staged a protest against the ruling Congress state government over the recent attacks and murders of Sangh Parivar activists in the state, especially in Ullal and surrounding areas, and warned that the chief minister and the government would be responsible if communal violence erupted in the state in the coming days.
The protest was held in front of the deputy commissioner's office here on Monday November 21 under the banner of Hindu Hitarakashana Samiti.
Addressing the protest, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "The state government has failed to stop the attacks on the majority community. When K J George was the home minister, cattle trafficking was happening everywhere, and after Parameshwar took over from him, the ones walking on the streets began to get murdered.
"When a cow trafficker was shot dead at Sringeri in April 2014, Siddaramaiah gave Rs 10 lac to his family, but none of the families of slain Hindu youths received a single paise over the past one year. In the Ullal constituency, two Hindu youths have been murdered and seven stabbed. No person has been arrested for so many crimes. This is a government which provokes communal violence.
"If communal violence erupts in the state in future, or even in our district, the chief minister, the home minister and the district in-charge minister would be responsible. If communal violence should not happen, then they should arrest the persons behind all the murders," he warned.
Regional working president of the VHP M B Puranik said, "We have been given a gift in the last two years - Hindu youths, especially activists of Sangh Parivar are being tagetted and killed. The Hindu community has been known for its patience from years. Our forefathers always taught us to forgive people. But today this nature has become our weakness. Hence, to warn the state government and the police, we have gathered here. This is just the beginning. If the state government does not take necessary action, we will intensify the protest.
"From Prashant Poojary of Moodbidri to Rudresh, about eight Hindu activists have been killed. The government is yet to apprehend the murderers. If the government does not arrest them soon, it must get ready to face tough days," he warned.
Provincial executive member of Hindu Jagarana Vedike Radhakrishna said, "Islam came into existence 1,400 years ago, but Hindu religion has been in this country for several thousands of years. In spite of this, Muslim population has risen upto 27 percent in the country. During these 70 years of Independence, we have been told that we belong to a religion of castes and peasants. We have been humiliated on the same grounds every now and then.
"Now I want to address the Muslim brethren and say - please do not attack our youth. We used to live in harmony and we can live in harmony in the future as well. We are prepared to face attack from anyone, so do not test our patience. Let us live in harmony and build this country," he said.
Former MLC Monappa Bhandary, leaders Satyajit Suratkal of HJV, Gopal Kuthar of VHP and many others were present.