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 18,2024

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Mangaluru: A 14-year-old boy, Subodh, tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning while sitting outside his home in Kedila village, Bantwal taluk, on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred around 5:30 PM while Subodh, an 8th-grade student at Kalladka Shriram High School, was seated outside his house. Lightning struck him, leaving him unconscious. 

Family members rushed him to a nearby clinic and later to a private hospital in Puttur, where doctors confirmed his death upon arrival.

The boy's body was sent to Puttur Government Hospital for a post-mortem.

Tahsildar Archana Bhat has directed revenue officials to assist the grieving family. Vitla Revenue Inspector Prashanth Shetty, Village Administrative Officer Anil Kumar, Kedila Panchayat President Harish Valtaje, and panchayat members visited the family to offer their condolences and support.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the unpredictability of nature’s fury, leaving a community mourning the untimely loss of a young life.

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News Network
November 13,2024

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In the heart of Mangaluru, where rising air pollution is spurring public health worries, voices are calling for a greener, cleaner shift in the city’s public transport. Leading this call is APD Foundation, a Mangaluru-based environmental NGO, which has urged Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre to mandate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in public transport.

Abdullah A Rehman, CEO of APD Foundation, emphasized in a formal letter to the minister that Mangaluru’s public transportation system—efficient and organized with both government and private players—could transition smoothly to EVs in stages. He suggested that government-backed financial incentives, partnerships with EV manufacturers, and collaborations with environmental groups could streamline the switch.

Rehman stressed the potential of EVs to cut down emissions, enhance air quality, and reduce noise levels, noting the quieter operation of electric buses. He confirmed that a copy of his letter was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner as well.

However, Dilraj Alva from the Dakshina Kannada City Bus Association noted potential challenges, explaining that the shift might take up to two years due to infrastructure and budget hurdles. Most EV buses, he explained, are procured through aggregators, not directly by individual operators. The addition of charging stations and other essential infrastructure further complicates the transition.

Alva also raised the economic concern: while diesel buses are priced between ₹30-40 lakh, electric buses can cost up to ₹1 crore. Reflecting on recent meetings with companies, including one in Manipal, he questioned the assumption that EVs are an absolute solution to pollution. “EVs aren’t entirely eco-friendly, especially when considering battery disposal,” he cautioned.

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News Network
November 21,2024

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Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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