Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 8: The Catholic Sabha of Udupi region has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Alwyn D'Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha Mangaluru region, who had raised his voice against illegal sand mining. The sabha has urged the Dakshina Kannada police to arrest the perpetrators immediately, expressing concerns over the delay in apprehending the culprits.

Alwyn D'Souza, a social activist, had been actively protesting alongside the public to protect the islands of Uliya Pavoor, Ranipur, Ullal Hoige, and 62nd Tokur Kenjaru from illegal sand mining activities. Unhappy with his protests, miscreants launched a lethal assault on him, leaving him hospitalized in a critical condition.

For years, illegal sand mining has been rampant in Dakshina Kannada district, with the district administration issuing mere statements about taking strict action without any substantial progress. The Catholic Sabha has accused both the administration and the state government of indirectly supporting those destroying the environment.

Despite several days having passed since the incident, the failure to arrest the attackers has raised serious concerns. The Sabha called this delay shameful and unacceptable. Furthermore, they criticized the government's inaction, particularly its hollow promises of protecting minority communities.

Attempts to suppress those who raise their voices against injustice through violent attacks are deeply concerning, the Sabha stated. They have demanded that the district administration arrest the culprits immediately. If the authorities fail to act, the Catholic Sabha has warned that they will mobilize the people of both districts for a large-scale protest. They also affirmed that, regardless of further attacks, their fight against environmental destruction will continue relentlessly.