Media Release

Udupi, Feb 17: Thonse Sahabalve Samiti, a group of likeminded, alert citizens organized a meet at Kemmannu Church Hall on Sunday, February 16. The meet was held at the backdrop of union government’s legislation of implementing laws of CAA, NRC and NPR (Citizens Amendment Act, National Registration of Citizens and National Population Registry).

Specialists on the subject spoke during the programme. High Court advocate Cliston Rozario was the main speaker of the event with advocate Mohd Niyaz and Awani Chowksi were on the dais to clear any doubts about the legislation.

Local Elder leader K Raghuram Shetty welcomed the guests, which included Fr Victor D’Souza, Dr Mohd Rafiq, Janardhan Thonse, Sulochana and Chales Lewis and other dignitaries.

Fr Victor inaugurated the meet by reading the Preamble of Constitution of India with all the participants raising their hand to chest level as if taking an oath.
Dr Mohd Rafiq and advocate Mohd Niyaz presented the introductory speech highlighting importance of the meet.

In his main speech, advocate Chilston Rozario extensively dealt with the subject of CAA, NRC and NPR and said that India is a secular country and our constitution guarantees us the fundamental rights, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, which this proposed legislations, with no clarity, is making all citizens to look at it with suspicion.

Question and answer session was held, where several citizens asked questions and cleared their doubts.

Former Kemmannu president Nityananda Thonse rendered the vote of thanks. Veronica Cornelio, one of the main organizers of this meet and Asha compered the programme.

Over 1,000 people attended the meet.