Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 29: Leader of the opposition in the state legislative assembly Mallikarjun Kharge has come down heavily on the state government for booking the people who were protesting against the attacks on churches in the city under the Goonda Act.  Speaking to the reporters on Sunday December 28 during a private visit to the city, he termed this step of the government as ridiculous.

"The government, which has shown so much enthusiasm in enforcing the Goonda Act against the protesters, has failed to show the same interest in nabbing and booking those who perpetrated and actively took part in  these attacks. In what way can the government justify its inaction," he questioned.

These attacks had hurt the sentiments of the Christian community. Therefore, they took to streets to protest the attacks. Instead of providing solace and succour to the hurt community, the government has tried to aggravate the situation by enforcing the Goonda Act against the protesters. The government should withdraw its decision at least now, he demanded.

"All the secular forces have been opposing this act, not only the Congress party. Initiating such harsh steps against the protesters who were merely opposing the blatant attacks on their centres of prayer can never be justified. This is against all democratic norms as it seeks to suppress the rights of the people", Kharge criticized.