Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RJP)
Udupi, Mar 1: "During the imposition of emergency in 1975, only the power (central government) was involved in execution of emergency. But now with the undeclared emergency imposed in the country, organisations like Sangh Parivar and ABVP are also involved, along with the government. This is the start of fascism in India. We should understand the dangers associated with fascism," said J Rajashekar the president of Udupi district Komu Souhardha Vedike here on Monday, February 29.
Rajashekar was addressing protestors at a rally in support of students of JNU and others universities in the wake of recent controversies. The rally, mostly made up of students, was called by Karnataka Komu Souhardha Vedike and other like-minded organizations and was held near Clock Tower here.
"Home minister Rajnath Singh, who makes a statement that Umar Khalid is a member of LeT based on fake tweets, is unfit to be a minister. Smrithi Irani has been lying about Rohit Vemula. Delhi police chief says that arrested JNU students should prove that they are not anti-nationals. All these incidents show that we are in the last stage of democracy. We are in a state of undeclared emergency," Rajashekara added.
Senior thinker K Phaniraj speaking on the occasion said, "Sedition cases under section 125 a of IPC are used against the students. British used this section against freedom fighters. Even during emergency, this section was not used. This is happening first time on modern India."
Bahujana Vidyarthi Sangha president Suresh said, "They have the agenda of introducing Manusmrithi in place of Indian constitution. We should raise our voice against this."
Irshad Ahmed from CFI said “Univesrsities are being used as laboratories. The voices raised against injustice are stopped forcibly. “
Akshay Vadera, writer Jyothi Guruprasad, Fr William Martis, Cyril Mathias, Jayan Malpe, Dinakara Bengre, Yasin Kodibengre, Idris Hude, Louis Lobo, Hayavadana Upadhyaya, Mohammed Marakkada, Kaviraj, Venkatesh Koni were present among others in the protest.
Prior to this a procession was taken from Jodukatte to service bus stand.