Pics: Akshay
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 25: “Khaki should be Khaki, Khaki should not become Congress,” said Sunil Kumar, MLA of Karkala, during a protest held against the superintendent of police and the police department. The protest, organized to condemn alleged suppression of Hindu activists through false lawsuits, took place at Oscar Fernandes Circle on Nov 25.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Kumar stated, “It is unacceptable for police officials to target Hindu associations by filing lawsuits against them without any public unrest. The department must function impartially and not act as a puppet of the Congress party. The state government appears to favor the Muslim community, allowing their associations to operate freely, while Hindu associations face lawsuits even for submitting memorandums. In Udupi, Hindu activists are being denied their right to express themselves. We plan to propose a resolution in the session to condemn this bias. Over 10 activists have been unjustly subjected to legal action. The police should focus on their duties and not act on behalf of Congress. The state government seems intent on using the police to control Hindu associations.”
Commenting on the controversy surrounding Muslim stalls at Hindu fairs, Sunil Kumar added, “The law specifies that only Hindu stalls are permitted at Hindu fairs. If advocating for Hindus to have the opportunity to conduct business in Hindu temples is considered wrong, it seems we have no right to voice our concerns.”
Remarks from Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagarana Vedike
Sunil K R, from Bajrang Dal, alleged, “The Udupi SP is acting as an agent of the state government to appease minorities. Incidents have occurred, like in Uttar Pradesh, where police investigating a mosque were attacked, resulting in casualties. Similar events have taken place in Mangaluru. Our independence was achieved through sacrifices of young Hindus, yet today, patriots working for the nation and Hindus face oppression. The Indian Penal Code, meant for justice, is being used to suppress those working for nationalism due to political agendas.”
He further added, “The police must differentiate between nationalists and anti-Hindus and approach situations practically. At Hindu fairs, if activists oppose stalls by Jihadis, cases are filed against them. When Hindu activists raise their voices against atrocities, such as a Dalit girl being drugged and raped, they face legal action instead of support. While the police claim to be people-friendly, they swiftly issue notices against us. The chief minister calls this the 'factory of Hindutva,' but this is not Pakistan—it is a factory of Hindutva, and we stand for the nation and Dharma without engaging in illegal activities.”
Prashanth, from Hindu Jagarana Vedike, said, “We respect the law and work under the constitution framed by Dr B R Ambedkar. The SP must understand the sentiments of this district and act responsibly. By mocking Hindu activists, you undermine your role, provoking protests. Since his transfer to this district, the SP has filed numerous legal cases against social activists but has failed to act against illegal mining activities. His derogatory remarks and misuse of power will not go unanswered. Hindu Jagarana Vedike will continue its protests until justice is achieved.”
Memorandum submitted to inspector general
Following a massive protest, a memorandum was submitted to the inspector general.
Prominent participants included MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, and Gururaj Gantihole; members of Hindu Yuva Sene, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagarana Vedike; Udupi district BJP president Kishore Kumar Kundapura; secretary Reshma Uday Kumar; and leaders Vijay Kodavoor, Geethanjali Suvarna, and Rathnakar Suvarna.