Mangalore: Will put an end to moral policing - K J George at Bishop's House

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
With Inputs from Media Release

Mangalore, Jun 19: Home minister K J George on Wednesday June 19 visited the Bishop's House to seek blessings and held discussions with members of the community.

Discussing the attacks on churches in 2008, K J George said that he had seen the initial report which was pro-Christians, but the later report (Somasekhar Commission) had been against the community. "I will discuss the matter at the ministry level and arrive at an appropriate decision," he assured.

On the issue of moral policing in the district, he said it is the complete responsibility of the police to curb the menace and handle anti-social elements. "The police should take strict action in this regard. No one has the right to take law into their hands. We will put an end to moral policing," he said.

On the deluge in Uttarakhand in the north India where thousands of people including former minister Shobha Karandlaje have been trapped, he said tha he is constant touch with the authorities and the Uttarakhand chief minister, and protection will be provided to all Kannadigas stranded there.

Referring to CM Siddaramaiah's recent statement that he had appointed him as home minister to win the confidence of the minorities, K J George said that he was home minister not just for minorties but for people of all sections and communities.

Vicar general of Mangalore diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu felicitated the minister. On this occasion he also submitted a memorandum to the home minister. In the memorandum the Vicar General requested the minister to take necessary measures to restore confidence among people by maintaining law and order in the district and at the state level. He also requested the minister to withdraw the pending cases filed against the Christians during the time of church attacks in 2008. Besides this he said that the Chairmanship of State Minority Commission should be given on rotation basis to the communities constituting the commission. The Christian Minority Development fund should be raised to Rs. 200 crores was the other request. Though the Christians don’t look for special status they should be given equal opportunities as given to others.
 
J R Lobo, MLA of Mangalore South Constituency said that K JGeorge after assuming change as home minister has already initiated steps to strengthen Law and Order situation of the State and he appreciated him for the same.

In reply, the home minister said that though he comes from a Minority Consituency he will work for the welfare and security of all the people in the state. Also he assured that he would try to see that Christians also get equal opportunities as others. Further he said J R Lobo is a man for development and vision. In case of any need if an appeal is made to him, he in consultation with him would try to solve the problems. The selfless service rendered by the priests and sisters was appreciated by the home minister.
 
Fr Valerian D’Souza, parish priest of Milagres Church invoked God’s blessing on the home minister. Fr Onil D’Souza, director of CODP compered the programme. Fr John Vas, the procurator of Bishop's House proposed the vote of thanks. Ivan D’Souza, Congress leader, M P Noronha, convener, diocesan political wing, Marcel Monteiro, PRO of the diocese and others were present.

MLA J R Lobo, corporator Naveen D'Souza, Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.