Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Dec 5: Misunderstandings and frictions between two communities which had been in loggerheads relating to unpleasant incidents happening in Gangolli in the taluk since a week reached the climax on Thursday December 4, with thousands of Hindu activists laying siege to the police station in Gangolli. As a result, the police department took steps to release both the arrested accused on bail through the court.
Sympathizers of Hindu outfits took out a rally thereafter, claiming this to be a historic success. Initially, the pro-Hindu activists met at Annappaiah Hall in Trasi, where a programme to extend heroes' welcome to Sridhar and Vasu Devadiga, who were released on bail, was chalked out.
Both had been arrested by the police, claiming that they have reasons to believe that the two were involved with the torching of a commercial complex in Gangolli housing ten shops in last Friday. Thereafter, a motor bike rally was organized to lead both the Hindu Jagran Vedike leaders, once they were released on bail by the court. They were brought in a procession to the premises of Veerashaiva Temple in Gangolli.
Addressing the people there, Sridhar called upon Hindus to stop dealing in any form with shops run by Muslims. He felt that if the Hindus unite, even judiciary will take notice. "Beef is being sold everywhere in Gangolli. Hindus get beef at many places, but the fact that the police have not been able to find places dealing with beef here provides ample evidence to prove that police are hand in glove with illegal activities of Muslims. All these days, Muslims ruled the roost in Gangolli police station. Henceforth, the police here will begin to listen to the voices of Hindus too," he said.
Udupi district president of Hindu Jagarana Vedike, Achuth Ameen, felt that the unprecedented support the protest got on Thursday had created a new 'Guinness Record' as far as Karnataka is concerned. He said that because of wholehearted support extended by ladies to the agitation against the unjust action of the police, section 307 of Indian Penal Code, relating to assault and arson that had been invoked against innocent people, has been revoked. He said that by showing to everyone that Hindu society is not in slumber as many believed, history has been created in Gangolli. He wanted the people to be alert to ensure that no immoral activities happen in Gangolli hereafter.
Hindu leader, Satyajit Suratkal, too addressed the gathering. Leaders of Hindu Jagran Vedike like Aravind Koteshwar, Dhananjay Koteshwar, and Sadananda Sheregar, were present.