Bahrain: Kannadiga delegates meet Indian Embassy Second Secretary

Mangaluru: On a scorching summer Friday, April 18, the usually quiet locality of Adyar Kannur in Mangaluru transformed into a powerful symbol of resistance and unity. A massive public protest, led by the Karnataka State Ulema Coordination Committee, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of nearly 3,000 people voicing their dissent against the Central Government’s recent amendments to the Waqf Act. 

The protest wasn’t just an outcry—it was a declaration of solidarity, discipline, and deep-rooted concern over the perceived infringement of religious and institutional autonomy.

Organized under the leadership and guidance of the Khazis from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, the protest drew people from all corners of the region including Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu districts. The protest venue, Sha Garden in Adyar Kannur, turned into a sea of people as participants gathered from various towns and villages despite the scorching afternoon sun.

From 2 PM onwards, people began arriving in large numbers. The influx of participants led to significant traffic congestion on the adjoining highways, compelling authorities to reroute vehicles to maintain order. Inside the city and surrounding areas, many shops remained closed, partly due to the event and partly as it coincided with the sacred Jumma prayers.

Security was handled with tight coordination—police personnel were stationed at all major junctions, crossings, and strategic points. Alongside them, volunteer marshals maintained decorum at the protest site, managing the crowd efficiently and ensuring cleanliness by removing empty water bottles and litter.

Chants of “Azaadi” (freedom) echoed through the grounds as protesters raised their voices in peaceful opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill. Despite the emotionally charged atmosphere, the protest remained peaceful. The organizers consistently appealed to the crowd via loudspeakers to maintain harmony and avoid any provocative slogans.

Drone surveillance and videographers were deployed for complete documentation of the event, enhancing both the security and transparency of the protest. However, the sheer number of participants caused temporary network disruptions, affecting mobile communication in the area.

Adding a patriotic touch, several protestors were seen waving the Indian national flag, reinforcing that the movement was deeply rooted in constitutional values and democratic expression.

Among the dignitaries present were UK Abdul Azeez Darami Chokkabettu, Dr. M S M Zaini Kamil, Abdul Khader Darami Kukkila, Kasim Darami Kinya, Aboobakkar Siddique Montugoli, Mehboob Sakafi Kinya, and Ashraf Kinara. Their presence underlined the seriousness of the gathering and provided moral and spiritual guidance to the demonstrators.

The peaceful protest stood as a clear, disciplined, and democratic expression of the Muslim community’s concern, sending a strong message to the authorities: religious rights and institutional independence are not to be tampered with.

Riyadh: Abdulaziz Kushalnagar, a long-time Indian expatriate from Kushalnagar, Karnataka, and a well-respected member of the Riyadh community, passed away on 10 April 2025 at a local hospital in Al Rabwah. He was 57.

According to sources close to the family and his close friend, Irfan Mani, Abdulaziz was admitted to the hospital on the 14th of Ramadan after suddenly collapsing due to a cardiac arrest. Earlier that evening, he had attended an Iftar gathering hosted by a friend in the Al-Shifa area of Riyadh. After breaking his fast and offering Maghrib prayers, he spent time conversing with friends before heading to a nearby mosque for Isha prayers.

Shortly after leaving the mosque, he reportedly began feeling unwell and collapsed from a heart attack. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he slipped into a coma.

Despite ongoing medical efforts, Abdulaziz did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead on the afternoon of 10 April after showing no response to treatment.

Following the completion of all necessary legal formalities—including clearances from the Indian Embassy and Saudi authorities—his funeral was held on Saturday night after Isha and Janazah prayers at Al-Rajhi Mosque. He was laid to rest at Naseem Cemetery, where a large gathering of relatives, friends, and well-wishers came to offer their final respects.

Abdulaziz had been residing in Saudi Arabia for over 35 years and was employed with a private company in Riyadh. Known for his warm personality, humility, and dedication to community service, he actively participated in various social and cultural organizations, including the Malanadu Gulf Trust (MGT).

He is survived by his wife, four children, and a wide circle of family, friends, and community members who deeply mourn his loss. Messages of condolence have poured in from across Karnataka and the Gulf, remembering him as a kind-hearted and community-spirited individual.

Organizations such as MGT Malanadu KSA, KNRI, Karavali Welfare Association, KSF Riyadh, KCF Riyadh, and several others expressed their deep condolences and offered prayers for the departed soul. 

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka after two Brahmin students were allegedly asked to remove their sacred thread (Janivara) and religious wristbands before entering the Common Entrance Test (CET) examination halls. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday in Shivamogga and Bidar districts, drawing sharp criticism from community groups and prompting a swift response from state ministers.

Videos and complaints shared by parents and community organizations brought the matter to public attention on Friday. Several Hindu groups condemned the action as insensitive and discriminatory.

Investigation

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar called the alleged directive “unacceptable” and assured a thorough inquiry. “It is an excessive act. If this happened at any examination center, we will take it seriously. We must respect the traditions of all castes and religions. I do not support such actions,” the minister told PTI.
He added, “I will seek a report from the concerned officials and consider appropriate steps. This is not about politics or gaining political mileage. We have no intention of hurting the sentiments of any community.”

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, whose home district is Shivamogga, also addressed the issue. “There is no legal provision that permits such actions. Although this matter doesn’t fall directly under my ministry, I will coordinate with the concerned department. Since the incident happened in my home district, I will instruct officials to initiate appropriate action,” he said.

Hindutva Organizations Condemn

Community bodies such as the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Maha Sabha and Vishwa Sanghatane strongly condemned the alleged directive, stating that enforcing such measures under the guise of examination protocols was a violation of religious rights.

Members of the Bhramina Sanghagala Okkuta submitted a formal complaint on Thursday to Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde, according to a report.

Broader Context

The controversy comes amid ongoing debates over religious expression in Karnataka’s educational institutions. Notably, the previous BJP-led state government had banned students from wearing hijabs in classrooms—a move upheld by the Karnataka High Court and currently under review by the Supreme Court.