Mammoth protest rejecting church attacks report on Feb 20

February 17, 2011

Mangalore, February 17: The Catholic Diocese of Mangalore in association with different churches and secular organisations will take out a mammoth silent protest rally rejecting the report of the Justice BK Somasekhar Commission on Sunday, February 20, from Jyothi Circle to Nehru Maidan at 3 pm.

Vicar General of Catholic Diocese of Mangalore Rev. Monsignor Denis Prabhu, told media persons at Press Club here on Thursday, said that confused and totally biased report of Justice Somasekhara Commission had silenced the witness and records submitted before the court by more than 1000 Christians and secular petitioners regarding the fundamentalists' attack on Churches and institutions.

Although Bajarangadal and Hindu fundamental outfits claimed that they are responsible for the attacks and the police witnessed the same, the clean chit had been given. Police, who acted cruelly and inhumanly with women, children and elderly Christians, have also been given a clean chit. Moreover, the District Administration and the Government which did not take any steps to avoid the attacks, has also been cleared off, he said.

“We protest against the recommendation of the Commission to keep tight control and check on the audit records of Christian Churches and pastors, although the Commission has said that there were no incidents of conversion through force and fraud,” he said.

Despite the then convener of Bajarang Dal confessing that their motto was to create a Hindu nation, the Commission has not given any recommendations to control the Hindu fundamental outfits which are against secularism, he said.

The Senior Pastor of CSI Church of Karnataka Diocese and Head of the Gorigudda Hebik Memorial Church Rev Samuel Jathanna, President of Karnataka Missions Network Walter Maben, PRO of Mangalore Diocese Fr William Menezes, Coorporator Mariamma Thomas, CODP Director Fr Onil Fernadese and others were present at the press meet.

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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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