Nazeer Melangady, NRI businessman from Udupi, passes away in Dammam

Bengaluru: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi led union government has requested the Karnataka High Court to direct the Mandya district administration and the state government to clear a madrasa operating within the premises of the historic Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna.

The Waqf Board, opposing this move, has claimed the mosque as its property and defended the right to conduct madrasa activities there.

The matter was brought before a division bench headed by Chief Justice N V Anjaria following a public interest litigation filed by a person named Abhishek Gowda from Kabbalu village in Kanakapura taluk. The petition alleged “unauthorised madrasa activities” within the mosque.

Representing the Central government, Additional Solicitor General of India for High Court of Karnataka, K Arvind Kamath argued that the Jama Masjid was designated as a protected monument in 1951, yet unauthorised madrasa operations continue there.

He noted that concerns over potential law and order issues have so far prevented any intervention. Kamath urged the court to direct the Mandya district administration to take action and vacate the madrasa from the mosque.

In defence, lawyers for the state government and the Waqf Board contested this request, stating that the Waqf Board had been recognised as the owner of the property since 1963 and, thus, conducting madrasa activities there is lawful.

After hearing both sides, the bench adjourned the case for further arguments, scheduling the next hearing for November 20.

The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

Riyadh: The Jam'iyyatul Falah (JF) Riyadh Unit held its Annual General Body Meeting at Loaloah Istirah in Riyadh on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

The gathering commenced with Master Ayman reciting verses from the Holy Quran, setting a solemn tone for the event. Br. Haneef Bardila warmly welcomed attendees, including JF Life Members, Office Bearers from various organizations, and guests, and extended his congratulations to all present.

During the meeting, Br. Muhammad Ashfaq, President, delivered the Annual Report, highlighting the unit's achievements, while Treasurer Br. Nazeer Ahmed presented the Annual Financial Report.

Br. Ashfaq updated members on the ongoing efforts of Jam'iyyatul Falah in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the year 2023-2024. Expressing gratitude for the support of the members and the committee, he encouraged the youth to join JF, emphasizing the importance of continuing the mission initiated by their elders 36 years ago.

The primary guest, Br. Yasin Baig, inspired the audience with a message underscoring the significance of service. He encouraged everyone to heed the Prophet's (pbuh) words: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death.” He also spoke about the responsibility and blessing of serving the community through Jam'iyyatul Falah, stressing the promise of rewards in both this life and the hereafter.

Following his address, Br. Ashfaq Ahmed (President) formally dissolved the current committee and entrusted Br. Abdul Hameed and Br. Fazlur Rehman with the election process. A new Executive Committee was then formed for the 2024-2025 term, with Br. Salman Noor elected as the President, Br. Abubaker Irfan as General Secretary, and Br. Nazeer Ahmed continuing as Treasurer. Additionally, 26 other members were appointed to the Executive Committee.

The evening concluded with a dinner for all participants, and Br. Haneef congratulated the newly formed JF Riyadh Executive Committee and all attendees for their contribution to the event's success.

Office Bearers Elected for the 2024-2025 Term

President: Salman Noor

Vice President: Fazlur Rehman

General Secretary: Abubaker Irfan Sheikh

Joint Secretary: Irshad Moideen

Treasurer: Nazeer Ahmed

Joint Treasurer: Akhil Ganjimutt

Auditor: Haneef Bardila

Advisors: Sheikh GK, Abdul Hameed Wenz, Abdul Basheer Beary

NRCC Representatives: Mohammed Ashfaq, Akthar Shaikh

NRCC Rep. at JFCC: Parvez Ali

Sports Coordinators: Shareef Ahmed, Ayaz Ahmed, Mohammed Mahir, Sameen Gurukambla, Mohammed Gazali, Javed Khan

Event Coordinators: Abdul Hameed Nazeer, Sharief Thokur, Sadhik Mohammed

Media Coordinator: Parveez Ahmed

Committee Members: Sadique Moideen, Sayed Sameer, Mohammed Khizer, Mohammed Sarfaraz, Fareed Mohammed, Suhail Ahmed