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 12,2024

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Mysuru, Nov 12: Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Tourism and Waqf minister of Karnataka, who stirred a controversy by addressing the Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy as ‘Kaala Kumaraswamy’ has tendered apologies for his remarks.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Tuesday, Minister Zameer stated that he will apologise if remarks have hurt JD-S workers.

“We both are very close. Then, in a total of 24 hours, we were together for 14 hours. He used to fondly address me as “kulla” (shorty) and I used to address him as “kariyanna” (blacky, kaalia),” Minister Zameer stated.

“I am not addressing him as ‘kaalia’ for the first time. I have not said something highly derogatory. It is being made as big in the backdrop of elections. With love, he used to call me a shorty and I called him a blacky. If I had caused pain to anyone by my words I apologise,” he said.

He further stated: “Kumaraswamy had said that he didn’t want the votes of the Muslim community. But now they are attempting to purchase Muslim votes. Against this backdrop, I have made the remark.”

Minister for Home G. Parameshwara stated on Tuesday, “Minister Zameer and Kumaraswamy are close friends. Their comments against each other are not significant.”

Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Tourism and Waqf minister of Karnataka stirred a controversy on Monday as he addressed the Union Minister as ‘Kaala Kumaraswamy’.

JD-S on Tuesday demanded a public apology and resignation of Minister for Waqf and Tourism Zameer Ahmad Khan over his ‘racist’ remarks.

“Remember, there is no place here for your divisive policies. You have insulted the people by making ethnic, racist and discriminatory statements. You should apologize to the people of the state and resign,” the JD (S) demanded in the post.

Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju reacted sternly to the racist jibe and stated, “I strongly deplore Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed calling Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Kumaraswamy as 'Kaalia Kumaraswamy'.

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