PFI holds demo in Udupi against 'unjust' Church attack report

[email protected] (CD Network)
February 8, 2011

Udupi, February 8: Udupi district unit of Popular Front of India on Tuesday evening held a protest in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, against the findings of the Justice Somashekhara Commission and demanded the Prime Minister, in a memorandum, to order for a CBI inquiry in to the cases of serial attacks on churches in the state.


Rev Fr William Martis of Udyavara Church, President of Social Democratic Progressive Alliance, Udupi unit, Rehaman Malpe, President of Popular Front of India Nehamath Ali, Secretary Rafique Majoor and others participated in the protest.


In a memorandum, addressed to the PM, submitted to the DC, they said that the Commission that had showed some hopes in its interim report did not give justice to minority Christians in its final report.


“Activists like Mahendra Kumar, MB Puranik and Pramod Mutalik of Bajarang Dal, Srirama Sene and other fanatic organizations openly agreed to have attacked the temples and also justified the same. It was also painful to know that even the police were involved in the assault against the Christians and the state government machinery had a soft corner against the culprits. Moreover, the government was lethargic to take action against the accused. When this is the case, the Commission has given a clean chit to the fundamental activists and also to the government. So we demand the Union government to order for a CBI inquiry,” they said.


A similar protest was held in front of Taluk Office, BC Road on Tuesday.

Addressing the protestors, Muhammad Riyaz, President, Popular Front of India, Bantwal District, said that the report which submitted by Justice B.K. Somasekhara Enquiry Commission about the serial church attacks in different areas of Karnataka state is a shocking one. Criticising the contradictions in the interim report and final reports, he revealed that the Commission had said in its report that the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal are openly involved in the attacks and police were mute spectators. The final report was prepared with the intension of rescuing leaders of BJP and Sangh Parivar, he added.

Expressing the disapproval of the report and the act of the state government, Riyaz dared BJP to hoist the national flag at central office of RSS instead of hoisting it in Lal Chowk.

Abdul Razaq Seema, Member of Puttur District Council, Popular Front of India in his address, asked the Christian community not to expect justice even from the Central Government regarding the justice on church attack issue. Until the effective allocation of justice, freedom and rights to the Indian citizen is not carried out, Popular Front will continue its struggle in the path of constructing a democratic nation, he disclosed.

Deekayya, Chief of Samaja Parivarthana Vedike, DK, said that most of the prime ministers of India including Manmohan Singh, weren't upholding the values of liberty, equality and fraternity mentioned in the constitution. He also said that Somashekar Commission report is a deliberate attempt to mete out injustice and demanded a CBI probe into the issue.

Nazeer, BC Road division secretary welcomed all and Ismail Bava, Bantwal Division Council Member delivered vote of thanks.


Shahul Hameed S H, President, Bantwal Division PFI, Denail Sequeira, Ammembala Church and many others have gathered in the protest.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

  • Clearly displaying pool depths.
  • Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
  • Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
  • Establishing clear pool operating hours.
  • Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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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.

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News Network
November 17,2024

Mangaluru: District-in-Charge Minister and Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, announced that a day-care chemotherapy centre will soon be established at District Wenlock Hospital. Speaking to mediapersons after reviewing the activities at Wenlock and Government Lady Goschen Hospital, he shared the government’s plans to enhance healthcare services in the region.

Key Initiatives Announced

•    Day-Care Chemotherapy Centre:

  • Ten beds will be reserved for cancer patients.
  • The government will collaborate with Yenepoya Hospital to provide chemotherapy treatments.
  • All required facilities for the centre are already in place, awaiting inauguration by the Chief Minister.

•    Wenlock Hospital Facelift:

  • Critical Care Block: To be built at a cost of ₹24 crore.
  • Integrated Public Health (IPH) Lab: Planned with a budget of ₹1 crore.
  • New OPD Block: As per a 2017 agreement, KMC Hospital will take up construction. Discussions with KMC management are underway.

•    Additional Requirements:

  • A new mortuary and post-mortem building.
  • Paramedical college building.
  • Modern kitchen.
  • Bridge connecting two buildings within the hospital.

•    Total facelift cost: ₹6 crore to ₹10 crore, utilizing funds from the Department of Health and Family Welfare and CSR contributions.

•    Timeline:
By December or January, priority works will be finalized. The superintendents of Wenlock and Lady Goschen Hospitals are scheduled to visit Bengaluru next week to discuss these projects.

•    MRI Fee Allegations:
The minister assured that allegations of patients being charged for MRI scans at Wenlock Hospital will be resolved at the earliest.
These measures aim to improve healthcare accessibility and infrastructure, positioning Wenlock Hospital as a state-of-the-art facility in the region.

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