Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Feb 20: Padma Shri Harekala Hajabba has clarified that he will not take part in the anti-CAA programme that is organized on Thursday at Udupi by the Karnataka Muslim Jamaat.

Speaking in the city, Hajabba said, "My friends told me that there is a felicitation programme at Udupi. So I agreed to attend. But I will not attend the programme on Thursday at Udupi as I feel inconvenient. There is NSS camp going on in my school. Lacs of people have helped me. All are one. I do not discriminate on the basis of religion. So I have communicated to the organizers that I will not be attending."

There was a huge controversy for calling Hajabba to the anti-CAA programme organized by Karnataka Muslim Jamaat at Udupi. Ansar, leader of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike had openly expressed his anguish on this. Ansar had written on social media that Hajabba is a secular person, who has worked for the betterment of society and he should not be used for such political movement.

Ansar had further said on social media that Hajabba does not have any clarity on the kind of programme and there is a chance that people may take it as offense if Hajabba participates.

Ansar also accused Karnataka Muslim Jamat that it is trying to cause embarrassment to central government, which has recognized the selfless service of Hajabba and conferred Padma Shri award on him, by calling him for the anti-CAA programme.

Now with the clarification and non-participation of Hajabba in the programme, it seems the controversy is over.

• Mangaluru: Invite to Padma Shri Harekala Hajabba for anti-CAA event irks many