Protesters target homestay attack victims; criticise their sympathisers

Mangalore, August 8: Over two-hundred female agitators, who staged a demonstration in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner in the city on Wednesday, exhorted the society and administration to uphold the 'sacred culture' of the country and denounced import of 'western culture'.

Even though the demonstration was organised by Jagratha Hindu Mahila Vedike (JHMV) in the pretext of condemning drug and sex mafia, the speakers at the protest lashed out at the victims of recent Hindu Jagarana Vedike attack on Morning Mist Homestay in the city.

Addressing the gathering DK district convener of JHMV Prasanna Ravi warned of dire consequence to those who try to spoil the Indian culture by holding flesh trade in the name of birth day parties.

Describing Mangalore women as the descendants of Rani Abbakka and not of Queen Victoria, she came down heavily on the female students of a few private colleges in the city, who recently expressed their solidarity with the victims of the homestay attack.

“We cannot tolerate innocent girls being pushed into prostitution through party culture”, she said while recalling that one of the senior police officer's daughter had also participated in the homestay birthday party.

She also targeted the parents of the girls who were molested by Hindutva activists in July 28 attack. “If parents want to send their daughters to such parties, let them send their daughters to European colleges. They have no right to defame Indian culture”, she said.

Ms Ravi said that administration needed to take immediate and stringent measures to preserve the Indian culture in this coastal city, where, she said, sex mafia was thriving in the name of tourism.

Speaking on the occasion SDM Law College student Akshatha Shetty exhorted the new generation not to adopt 'shameless western values' by holding rave parties. “Valentine's Day and Friendship Day are not part of our culture. If you want to celebrate your birth day, celebrate along with your family members in your home instead of enjoying with your friends”, she said.

Deputy Mayor Amitakala, former mayor Rajani Dugganna and Hindutva activists Vijayshree and Asha Prasad were present among others.