Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Jul 21: The Congress committees of Mangalore city, Mangalore South, and Suratkal block on Monday July 21 condemned the controversial meeting between Baba Ramdev aide Ved Pratap Vaidik and Jama't ud Da'wah chief and wanted terrorist Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan and lambasted the BJP-led NDA government for remaining silent on the issue.

Addressing the protest which was held near DC's office, former MLA Vijaykumar Shetty said, "The meeting between Ved Pratap Vaidik and Hafiz Saeed is indeed a tragedy for the nation. Saeed was the brain behind the Mumbai terror attacks, and the US even has a reward on his head."

Referring to the context of the interview, he said, "It was a peace meeting at Pakistan and even journalist Barkha Dutt and Mani Shankar Aiyar too attended it, but they returned in five days. What was Vaidik doing for 15 days there? The matter should be thoroughly probed. How could he meet a person who has more than Z security? The Congress strongly condemns this.

"Now despite all the controversy, Vaidik is saying he is ready to meet Saeed again. It is really pathetic that being an Indian citizen he wants to meet a terrorist. During the meeting, Saeed said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was dangerous to south Asia; this statement has insulted the 127 crore people of the country. Still, Modi is silent on the issue," he said.

"Vaidik is not an accredited journalist. Even the newspapers in Pakistan reported that the Indian High Commission was aware of this meet, but the union government chooses to remain silent. What is the union government doing? Though we (Congress) are small in number in the parliament, we will question the government on this. Vaidik has betrayed the country," he added.

Congress leader Kallige Taranath Shetty said, "The BJP before coming to power said 'Achche din aane waale hain' but within one-a-and-half months the 'achche din' have lent a blow to our national integrity. Vaidik's met Saeed and spoke of creating a separate Kashmir - this is nothing but breaking the integrity of the nation. It is pathetic. Where has BJP's patriotism gone? Even Shiv Sena condemned the meeting, but NDA is silent."

Demanding action against Vaidik, he said, "The government should immediately give orders to file FIR against Vaidik and take action against him. How could he breach security and meet Saeed? There is some secret behind this visit. Pakistan PM was called for Modi's swearing-in, but as soon as he went back there was firing in Kashmir. With their crocodile tears and colourful words BJP misled people and came to power. Even in Dakshina Kannada people were misled, because of which a great person like Janardhan Poojary had to face defeat."

Congress interim district president Ibrahim Kodijal said, "Why is BJP not condemning the meet between Vaidik and Saeed? Earlier the BJP had condemned ISI activities, but now the NDA government is silent because Vaidik is the right hand of Baba Ramdev who helped NDA in forming the government. BJP talks one thing and does another. It's the same with hike in prices. BJP has been giving nothing but trouble to the people."

The protestors also submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the DC, urging arrest of Ved Pratap Vaidik and probe into the central government's role in the matter.

Stanly Alvares, T K Sudhir, Arun Coelho, Amruth Kadri, B G Suvarna and others were present.