Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Sep 14: The members of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh on Thursday September 14 held a strong protest condemning the recent murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Addressing the protestors, Dr Hayavadana, vice-president of Udupi Komu Souharda Vedike and professor of Bhandarkar's College, Kundapur said, "I knew Gauri Lankesh very well. She was a straightforward person. Gauri's murder has a parralel with the assassination of Gandhiji. Both were shot dead with pistol. Both led a simple lifestyle and both fought for social justice.

"Gauri Lankesh tried to tell truth openly for the good of the society. She was never afraid of death. She knew her enemies, but that did not stop her from speaking on behalf of the exploited and the suppressed class in society. She is no more with her, but her name is an inspiration and encouragement to hundreds of new Gauris," he said.

Manager of Shanthi Prakashan and advisor of Jamat-e-Islam Mohammed Kunhi said, "This murder has brought back memories of the murders of noted Kannada writer Prof M M Kalburgi in 2015, communist leader Govind Pansare, and rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. Gauri took on right-wing activists in Karnataka head-on. But she never crossed boundaries defined by Indian democracy. Within the framework of democracy, she tried to bring in a social reform and create public awareness about dirty politics. Our democracy cannot fulfill its goals if different viewpoints, be it left or right, are not allowed. Gauri has left us a lesson - that is, work for society without fear of death. You can eliminate someone by murder, but not their ideology which will live on."

Fr William Minezes, PRO of Mangaluru diocese said, "Gauri is not dead, she entered martyrdom. She was a brave and courageous lady who engaged herself in the task of transforming the society. She used her ideology for the development of society. Through her tabloid she became the real opposition. She never lost the chance to expose dirty politics and faces of corrupt politicians. She is the true inspiration for new generation. The government should arrest the murders without any delay and subject them to stringent punishment."

Spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Fr Mathew Vas welcomed the gathering. Fr Dionysius Vas, Fr Praveen Martis, Fr James, Roy Castelino, corporator Asha D'Silva, president of Catholic Sabha Anil Lobo and others were present.

Deepak D'Souza read our memorandum while David D'Souza compered.

Later the Catholic Sabha office-bearers and members submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner.

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