Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 29: In light of a series of disturbing incidents and communal murders in Dakshina Kannada district, which have "failed to draw effective action" from the state government despite repeated appeals, a mass resignation process has reportedly begun within the Congress party.

Leaders of the minority cell of the Congress have called for a meeting in the city on May 29 afternoon to discuss mass resignations. In support of this move, the process of submitting resignations was initiated on May 28 itself, in what is being seen as a strong message to the state government and the Congress high command.

"Despite being in power in the state, the Congress government has failed to protect minorities from the harassment and violence allegedly perpetrated by Sangh Parivar members across Dakshina Kannada and other parts of Karnataka. This includes communal provocation, hate speeches, the murder and wrongful arrests of innocent people, biased actions by officials, and failure to prevent the brutal killing of Abdul Rehman," said former mayor Ashraf in a statement.

He announced his resignation from the post of vice president of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress and from the party, citing the government's inability to maintain law and order and rein in threats of declared killings.

He further condemned district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s statement describing Abdul Rehman’s murder as a result of personal enmity. Ashraf alleged that the minister was misinformed by officials and demanded that the minister withdraw his statement.