Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 8: The VHP and Bajrang Dal on Monday January 7 staged a protest demanding the extradition of Andhra Pradesh MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, who has been booked for making alleged hate speeches last month.

Addressing the protestors in front of the DC office, Keshava Hegde, VHP state organising secretary, urged the authority concerned to extradite Akbaruddin from the country.

"All the political leaders including Muslim leaders must express their opinions on this issue," he said.

“Such statements that hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community are not acceptable. This, in fact, leads to communal disharmony and loss of peace," he added.

Sharan Pumpwell, division convenor, said, "Akbaruddin's statements makes us doubt the 20 crore Muslims of our nation, as no one has yet reacted to the issue."

Krishnamurthy, VHP division secretary, said that it was an irresponsible statement made by a responsible MLA.

"As a responsible MLA, a person should always focus on peace and communal harmony. But this MLA has been speaking like a terrorist. Such people should be publicly rejected," they said.

"Akbaruddin has to apologize to the entire Hindu community that let him live here. He should also be sacked from his MLA post immediately," they urged.

An effigy of Akbaruddin was also burnt during the protest.

A memorandum was submitted to the DC by the leaders and members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal.

The VHP and Bajrang Dal threatened to carry out a major nationwide protest if appropriate action was not taken against Akbaruddin.

Leaders like Bhujanga Kulal, Pradeep Pumpwell, Punith Pumpwell and others were present.