Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jun 9: "Members of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti Udupi unit will hold a 'Movadi Chalo' on June 12 near Shastri Circle, Kundapur to condemn the assault of a Koraga community youth for consuming meat on April 25 at Movodi village," said Uday Kumar Tallur, president of Dalit Sangarsha Samiti.

Speaking at Udupi press club here on June 8, Uday described the incident and said, "A group of people attacked members of Koraga community at a wedding function in Movadi village on April 25. The group attacked accusing the function members of serving beef. The incident took place at Shakuntala’s house who is also a member of Hosadu gram panchayat. It is being said that the police were also present at the place while the attack took place. But the police did not try to stop the mob from attacking. Gangolli police did not accept the complaint given by the victims. After the interference of Dalit and minority organisations of the district, the complaint was registered, but proper investigation was not carried out. Moreover, the MLA of that area has kept quite and not taken any action. He supports Bajrang Dal. No one has the right to question others' food habits."

"Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti Udupi unit along with other like-minded organistaions have organized a protest march condemning the incident on June 12 at Kundapur. The protest march will begin from the house of the assualt victims in Movadi at 10:00 am and go through Shasthri Circle, Kundapur and Trasi. A protest meet is organised at the same place at around 11:30 am," he said.

"The central government has banned the sale of cows which will hurt farmers. Minority Christians and Muslims are being exploited in the country. This cattle sale ban is a political game. The central government aims to make India a unicultural land. A special act should be formed for protecting free choice of food consumption of Dalits and minorities. Many Dalits are being attacked for issues related to cow which should be stopped. Every Dalit family should be provided with five acres of land from the government," he demanded.

"The culprits of Movadi incident are not yet arrested and are roaming freely. A case is also filed against Koraga community members. This protest is mainly to demand the arrest the culprits in the incident and also to withdraw the case filed agaisnt Koraga community members. Karnataka Dalit Backward and Minority Association, Koraga Association Development Union, District Muslim Union, Indian Christian Union, Karnataka Christian Association International Union, and other associations and unions have supported this protest, he concluded.

Renowned writer G Rajashekar said, "This incident is similar to Babri Masjid. The proportion of violence is less than Babri incident. All these harassments are happening in the name of Hindu culture."

Sunder Master, state convener; Fr William Martis, honorary president, Dalit Confederate Union; and Prashant Jattanna were present.