Muslims urged not to retaliate; saffron activists urged to study Hindu scriptures

Mangaluru, Aug 27: Condemning the recent attack on a Muslim youth by the activists of saffron outfits in the coastal city of Mangaluru, Muslim Central Committee, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District, gave a call to all Muslim youth in the twin districts not to take the law into their hands or involve in communal rioting.

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, vice president of the committee and MUDA chairman Ibrahim Kodichal said that the assault on 28-year-old Shakir, who was tied, stripped and beaten in public view earlier this week, was a blow to the Constitution and culture of the country.

“If the region has to develop and progress, first there should be peace. Only then there will be investment by companies and scope for development in Dakshina Kannada. Such an unconstitutional activity has brought shame to the entire district,” he said.

He said that religious communities such as Hindus, Muslims and Christians had been living together in Dakshina Kannada in mutual harmony from several decades. Youth belonging to Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other saffron outfits should understand what the Hindu religious scriptures preach and what the Constitution advocates before indulging in immoral activities and taking the law into their own hands. The assault on the youth after tying and stripping him is an unforgivable crime and such incidents should not be allowed to occur in the future, he urged.

'Religious leaders should educate youth'

Mr Kodichal told reporters that the Muslim Central Committee had urged DK district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, Home Minister KJ George and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take strict action against the culprits. It is the duty of the state government and police department along with religious organisations to prevent further such instances in the future. All religious leaders and political leaders should independently undertake it as their duty to create awareness and educate youth from their own community to refrain from communal violence, he urged.

Muslim Central Committee vice-presidents Hameed Kandak and K Ashraf, secretaries Hameed Kudroli and Haneef Haji, joint secretary D M Aslam and others were present.