Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Dec 8: Soon after the protest at Vamanjoor that ended with lathi charge, stone-pelting and arrests, members of VHP, Bajrang Dal and other like-minded outfits along with some BJP members and others gathered at Sri Rama Bhajan Mandir for a meeting. The protest was organized as part of the bandh called by VHP and Bajrang Dal against the attack on Datta Peetha pilgrims on the night of December 5 at Ulaibettu.
Addressing the meeting, BJP member Tejaswini Gowda said, "We feel like we were not born in Hindusthan. All this is happening because of the Congress party. We have ruled our country by surrendering our swords. We know how to rule."
Alleging that the stones at the protest were pelted by Muslims, she said, "We are not mad to throw stones at our own members. This was done by Muslims.
"Hindus are peace-loving people, but if even one Hindu is provoked, then it is very diffcult to make him quiet again," she added.
"I will be there with you whenever there is a problem or whenever you need me. Those who are using swords should be arrested," Tejaswini told the gathering, adding, "You should be ready to sacrifice your life to protect Hindutva."
Sri Rajashekarananda of Gurpur Vajradehi Math said, "Today's protest shows the kind of strength we have. Even though we did not get a chance to go into Ulaibettu, we are winners. We will go to Ulaibettu in the coming days. Some threw stones but we are not worried about that, because we are united and even women have joined to support us.
"Do not lose patience. Do not take law into your hands," he added.
Among those present were Rama Sene chief Prasad Attavar, VHP leader Jagadish Shenava and others.