Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 27: The Central Muslim Committee, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, on Thursday August 27 condemned the incident of immoral rowydism at Attavar recently where a man was stripped, tied to a pole and assaulted in full public view.
Addressing a press meet here, vice-president of the committee Ibrahim Kodijal said, "We strongly condemn the brutal attack on Shabbir (name changed). This incident is a blow to our culture, Constitution and also to religions of Hindus and Muslims. No one should take law into one's hands. This was an inhuman act where the youth was attacked and stripped, and we condemn it strongly.
"This incident has brought shame to our district. It has become a news even in other countries like Pakistan too. Mangaluru is a developing city and these types of communal disruptions will hinder its development. This attack is anti-Constitutional and uncultured," he said.
"We should live as children of the same mother, with peace and harmony. Bajrang Dal and VHP youths should understand the esssence of Hinduism and the Constitution. Such incidents are do much harm to the district," he added.
He also urged the Muslim community not to get provoked or react. "Muslims youths should not take law into their hands. Peaceful protest is fine, but nobody should get provoked," he urged.
"Soon after this incident, district incharge minister Ramanath Rai contacted the home minister and the chief minister and also called up the police commissioner and urged them to take immediate action against the culprits," he said.
"Youths between 18 to 25 years have been arrested for this crime. All parties and religious leaders should guide youngsters to the right path when they are misled.
"Irrespective of political party, religion or organization should condemn this incident considering the victim as an Indian and human being. The police department and government have been successful in arresting the accused and preventing further incidents," he added.
"The victim was not only stripped and assaulted, but they also insulted his religion. This is a grave blunder. Severe punishment should be meted out to the culprits," he demanded.
Asked if the incident was a reflection of the failure of the state Congress government, he said, "Not at all. The government and the police have taken immediate action in the case. It is not a failure of the government at all. When BJP was ruling in the state, the number of moral policing incidents were more, but after Congress came to power, such incidents have reduced considerably."
When a reporter pointed out that as per the Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, there were 130 incidents of moral policing during BJP's tenure in the state, but 169 such incidents in just two-and-a-half years of Congress rule, Kodijal Ibrahim rejected the statistics and said, "I do not know about the numbers, but I can say that the Congress government has prevented such incidents as far as possible."
A heated discussion followed between the reporters and the committee members. Secretary of the committee Aslam intervened and said, "We came here only to condemn the incident and we do not want to politicize the issue."