Udupi: PFI holds massive 'Unity March' to mark Formation Day

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Feb 17: The members of Popular Front of India (PFI) held a massive 'Unity March' here on Monday February 17 followed by a convention to commemorate PFI Formation Day.

Over 3,000 PFI members and supporters marched in procession from Jodukatte, passing through K M Marg and service bus stand. The rally culminated at Kalsanka Royal Garden ground where the convention was held.

Prior to the formal programme, PFI national general secretary K M Sharif was given a guard of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Sharif warned against letting 'fascist' forces come to power. "Fascism is more dangerous than communalism. If fascist forces come to power, Muslims, Christians, Dalits and other backward classes will be deprived of opportunities," he said.

"Today, because of defective economic policies that are highly inclined towards capitalists, the poor are not progressing. The politicians are in favour of the rich, and are looting the country in the name of globalization and development," he said, citing the example of petroleum and oil companies.

"Power is in the hands of the upper class alone. The minorities, Dalits, and OBCs which form 80 percent of the population have no power at all. We have failed in this front and it is time to strengthen ourselves by getting more people to join our cause," he said.

He also took a dig at RSS and said, "While we are engaged in the process of nation building, the RSS is breaking the country. It has recently come to light that RSS had a hand in terrorist activities."

He further said, "Our mission is to carry out a people's movement. PFI spent Rs 9 crore on educational and economic empowerment programmes last year. This has inspired us to do much more and we are now getting ready with a further plan of action."

Abdul Khader Puttur, chief secretary state PFI,  E Aboobakker Saheb, former national president of SDPI, and Mufti Mohammed Azam, state president of All India Muslim Council were the chief guests.

Deviprasad Shetty of JDS, Jayan Malpe, Ataulla Jokatte, PFI Mangalore president, Nisar Ahmed, PFI Udupi president, Fazil Ahmed and Asif Koteshwar were present.

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