Mangalore, August 14: “Where is freedom when government imposes 22 restrictions on a peaceful protest against corruption?” questioned K N Umesh, Former President, Democratic Youth Federation of India.
He was speaking at 'Save Freedom Rally' organised by the Ullal unit of DYFI in the eve of Independence Day to protest against corruption, neo-liberalism and imperialism at Unity Hall here on Sunday.
Hundreds of people took part in the rally from Ambedkar Maidan in Thokkottu to Unity Hall.
Mr Umesh heavy came down heavily on consecutive Union and State governments for the rampant corruption and scandals, which according to him are threatening the freedom of the people of this nation.
Recalling the Bofors scam that rocked India during the 1980's, he said that a scam worth Rs 64 crores resulted in the dissolution of the Central government led by Rajiv Gandhi, but today government involved in scams worth lakhs of crores are still ruling the people this country.
“It is as if central and state governments are competing for the magnitude of scams”, he humored while criticising the liberalist and imperialist policies of the government.
Referring to India government's 'attachments' to the United States of America, he said one of the major reasons for the lack of development in our country was because the 'capitalist nation' (USA) dictates on the internal and external affairs of the country. That is the reason we haven't entered into a contract regarding gas pipelines with Iran he said.
He was also critical of the religious fundamentalists in the country, who he opined are plotting to divide the nation on the basis of caste and creed.
“Only an awakened and revolutionary society can tackle the great crisis in front of us. That is what DYFI is striving to achieve”, he said.
Muneer Katipalla, District President, DYFI, B Ramachandra Babbukatte, lawyer and Notary, U Arunkumar, Secretary, Traders Association, Thokkottu were among those who were present.
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