Hundreds take to streets protesting arrest of innocent youth in terror cases

November 23, 2012

Bangalore, November 23: Hundreds of people from various sections of the society Thursday held a massive protest march against the arbitrary arrests of innocent youths under the pretext of terrorism.

The 'People's March' organised under the joint auspices of Praja Rajakiya Vedike and Students Islamic Organization Of India (SIO) Karnataka, People's Union for Civil Rights (PUCL), Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat-e-Ulema, Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Karnataka Dalitha Mahila Vedike , Karnataka Muslim Mutthahida Mahaz (KMMM), Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum (KSMF), New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India), Open Space, People's Democratic Forum (PDF), and many more civil society groups, demanded the Government to stop arresting innocent youths under false terror charges.

Inaugurating the march, Mohammed Taha Mateen, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that innocent youths across the country are being arrested on false charges and are being denied bail. Their trial goes on for a long time and after prolonged imprisonment, they are acquitted by the courts. Such illegal arrests are matter of serious concern, he said.

Manohar Elavarthi, a leader of Praja Rajakiya Vedike lamented that it has become routine for the police and investigating agencies to arrest Muslim youth and implicate in false cases.

Prof. Narasimaiah, noted historian and thinker alleged that communal forces are behind such arrests.

The agitators demanded that fast track courts be set up to try cases of illegal arrests so that the victims get speedy justice. They also urged Government to provide suitable compensation and rehabilitation of those acquitted by the courts.

The 'People's March' culminated at Town hall, where several leaders and activists addressed that gathering.

“A terrorist was hanged on Wednesday, but we need to see who the real culprits are and punish them," said B T Lalita Naik, a former minister in the government of Karnataka.

"The media should also start using proper language for reporting. Whether it is the English, Urdu or Kannada media, the word 'alleged' should be used; because the world depends on media,” she added.

Expressing happiness over the turnout of people, B T Venkatesh, a lawyer and human rights activist said “I am worried about the lives which are being destroyed for no reason. If we don't raise a voice against such injustice, then we are not humans; even we become criminals”.

“The people whom you are putting in jails, are very important for the development of our nation. There are doctors, engineers and journalists. We are speaking for all the innocents. Nobody is speaking for Kasab or a terrorist like him,” said Mohammed Kunni, Manager, Shanthi Prakashan.

The protesters also demanded free and fair investigation of the arrested youth without any custodial torture and that suitable action be taken against the police officers who are responsible for fabrication of such cases.

Repeal of draconian laws like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), was also one of the demands presented by the protesters.

According to the organizers, similar protest marches are being held at different state capitals, wherein protesters would march to the Assembly.

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Nati koli saaru, fry, idli, vada and pongal on Siddaramaiah’s breakfast menu at DKS’ residence

News Network

December 2,2025

Bengaluru: 'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry) considered one of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s favourites along with steaming hot idlis was on the breakfast menu at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The spread also included 'nati koli' fry, vada and pongal, among other items, they said.

In an apparent show of unity, Siddaramaiah visited Shivakumar’s residence for breakfast, just days after the two leaders shared a meal amid a simmering power tussle in the state Congress.

Siddaramaiah drove to the Deputy CM’s residence in Sadashivanagar, where he was received by Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh, who is a former Congress MP.

Suresh and Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, joined them for breakfast, which featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar had invited him during his visit to the CM’s residence for breakfast on Saturday.

Asked about the difference between the two meals, the chief minister said, "At his (Shivakumar’s) house it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won’t get the original in Bengaluru."

Shivakumar said he had initially invited Siddaramaiah to his residence, but the CM had suggested visiting his place first and reciprocating later. "It was a vegetarian breakfast at the CM’s house on Saturday," he noted.

"Today, I invited him (the CM) to my house. He enjoyed the breakfast, which had his Mysuru taste," Shivakumar added. At this point, Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar’s wife is also from Mysuru.

Saturday’s breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, held as part of efforts by the Congress high command to ease tensions in the leadership dispute between the two, reportedly included idlis and sambar, according to official sources.

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