Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 19: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Tuesday June 19 demanded the district authorities to deny permission for 'ladies bar live band' and withdraw permission for existing ones.

Addressing a press meet here, VHP district president Jagadish Shenava said, "The district administration should deny permission for ladies' bar live bands which are running in the city and also withdraw permission for the existing ones. Mangaluru is a model city known for its richness in culture and tradition. But we are so inclined towards western culture, we have heard that there is a ladies bar live band at Saibeen Complex in Lalbagh and also that a new one is about to start in Pumpwell.

"Such ladies' bars and live bands will encourage and make way for illegal activities and prostitution. We urge the district administration not to permit such things that are detrimental to a healthy society. In ladies' bars, it is the ladies who serve and work till late night, which is not acceptable," he said.

"We also condemn the posting of indecent comments on Hindu Gods and deities which hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. We demand stringent action against such offenders. Recently, a person named Basheer Adyar had uploaded an indecent post on a Hindu god, against which complaint has been lodged in Barke station. We had discussed the matter with former police commissioner Vipul Kumar, who told us that even those who share and comment would also be held equally responsible in the case and action will be taken against them," Shenava said.

VHP women's wing leader Asha Jagadish said, "Ladies' bar live band is dangerous to girls. Young girls are being targetted and being invited to late night parties. We still remember what exactly had happened in the pub attack and home stay attack. Such things will spoil the health of the society."

When pointed out that there are several instances where families go out for parties and drinks to bars, Shenava said, "Yes, families go for drinks and party, but when friends do that, the atmosphere changes. In a family gathering, there is some limit but in pubs it is limitness."

Asked about reports in a section of the media that VHP and Bajrang Dal collect 'hafta' from pub and bar owners, he said, "If we find proof of any of our leaders collecting hafta, we will dismiss them."

VHP district convenor Pradeep Pumpwell, Praveen Kuthar and others were present.