Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 26: Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission Justice S R Nayak appealed to the citizens of the district to unitedly work to ensure that peace and brotherhood, the lofty traditions for which the coastal districts are known for, continue to flourish. He also asked the concerned to sink past differences and forget the bitter experiences and move ahead for a peaceful, harmonious co-existence.

He was speaking at a meeting called at the auditorium of the office of the deputy commissioner here, for receiving the petitions pertaining to the recent attacks on churches and the subsequent incidents connected thereto, on Thursday September 25. He also asked the people to live without any fear, as the country belongs to everyone and that the constitution has given equal rights and protection to all the citizens.

"The constitution has given the unambiguous right to embrace the religion of one's choice to all. However, religious conversions backed by inducements or coercion are considered as crime. The people can complain if forcible of induced conversions take place, to the concerned department. No one is allowed to take law into their hands," he stressed.

In his address, the local diocese spokesperson Fr Onil D'Souza alleged that the district administration did not take any preemptive steps even though it had prior inkling of the things to come. He also held the policemen responsible for the atrocities on innocent protestors. He wanted firm steps to be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur and also to create an environment free from fear and apprehension.

Karnataka Muslim Council president Hamid Kandak said that minorities are being attacked in the district since a few years. He urged for extending protection to the minorities.

Sr Shalini said that thousands of students have passed out of the educational institution for which she works, and no one was converted. "Instead, we transform them into good citizens," she stressed.

Rufina Veigas complained that the policemen entered the churches and resorted to caning. She asked for steps to be initiated against the erring policemen.

Justice S R Nayak said that he had visited all the prayer centres which came under attacks and collected information from them. "Statements of the people have also been recorded. A report will be sent to the government," he added.

Commission members R H Reddy, B Parthasarathy and inspector general of police Bipin Gopalakrishna were present.