Mangaluru Chalo: Qureshi recovering; quarrel among agitators worsening

Mangaluru, Apr 30: With two days to go for the controversial ‘Mangaluru Chalo’, the infighting among those who had announced the event at a press meet nearly two weeks ago has come to the fore and a few local Muslim leaders who had spearheaded the ‘justice for Qureshi’ campaign, have started accusing each other of indulging in “petty politics.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Qureshi, an accused in two attempt-to-murder cases, who was the reason behind the formation of the ‘United Muslim Front’, which had decided to hold ‘Manglauru Chalo’ on May 2, is slowly recuperating at a hospital in the city.

After Karnataka government ordered a CID inquiry into the case of alleged police atrocity on Qureshi, most of the members of the ‘United Muslim Front’ had decided to postpone the protest as the CID is expected to submit its report on the case on May 5.

Rejecting the decision of his colleagues at a recent meeting, K Ashraf, the former mayor and convener of the ‘United Muslim Front’ moved out of the unregistered body announcing that he would not step back from holding the proposed Mangaluru Chalo on May 2. This led to a confrontation between him and the other local leaders who were seeking “justice” for Qureshi.

Mustafa Kempi, the leader of the ‘United Muslim Front’ later issued a media release stating that his Front would not be a part of the ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ on May 2. The release also states that the Front will decide on future course of action only after CID submits its report on May 5.

Meanwhile, supporters of both factions have taken to social media to express their severe dissatisfaction over each other’s stance on the issue. The mudslinging is on through WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages.

It is worth mentioning here that local units of prominent Islamic organizations such as SSF, SKSSF, Jamaath-e-Islami Hind, and Khazis of the coastal district have never endorsed the political agitation in the name of justice for Qureshi. However, all had condemned the alleged police atrocity on him.

Responding to a question of a media persons on Sunday in the city U T Khader, minister for food and civil supplies, said that holding a public programme and delivering lecture in front of innocent Muslims cannot be a solution for any problem.

“Qureshi was arrested by police in connection with the attack on one Prakash Poojary. No Muslim organization has so far given him clean chit. The investigation is going on. The only concern is the alleged police atrocity and the state government has already ordered a high level inquiry into the case. Hence, a protest on May 2 will be of no use,” he said.

Also Read: 

Islamic organisations concerned over politicization of Qureshi case

Qureshi row: United Muslim Front to hold ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ on May 2