Mangalore, Oct 11: Few leaders from the Muslim community who had gathered at an emergency meeting convened by the newly-formed Dakshina Kannada District Congress Muslim Leaders Vedike on Friday, voiced similar opinions on the necessity to put a complete halt to the increasing cattle vigilantism in the district, in the backdrop of the brutal attack on five cattle transporters on the outskirts of the city a couple of days ago.
Speaking at the consultancy meeting held at Zeenath Baksh Yatheem Khana here on Friday, Congress minority leader K Ashraf said that in the past few months instances of moral policing and attacks on minorities by vigilante groups of Sangh Parivar were increasing, inspite of Congress being in power both in the state as well as at the centre.
“Although statements were made by Congress leaders that moral policing would not be tolerated, it has served no use. Opposition leaders are of the opinion that moral vigilantism has increased after Congress came to power in the state. It seems as though the police department is keeping mum on purpose prior to upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and it is upto ourselves to speak out and take a decision for the protection of the Muslim community,” he said, stressing that the group of leaders were strictly opposed to illegal cattle trafficking.
“However, moral vigilantism has to be stopped. If this injustice continues against the minorities, then the minority leaders might have to stand up against other Congress leaders,” he said, maintaining that action had to be taken to end cattle vigilantism in the district.
Former Member of Parliament B Ibrahim said that it was surprising that minorities, who were assured of all rights by the Congress party before coming into power, had no protection despite Congress being in power in the state and at the centre.
Referring to the brutal assault on five cattle transporters, he said that if the vehicle transporting the cattle had no valid permit, it should be looked into. But, vigilante groups taking matters into their own hands is the main problem, he said, demanding protection for Muslim youth from such vigilante groups.
Inconvenience to Hajj pilgrims due to flight schedule
Mr Ashraf also raised dissatisfaction over the schedule of the Hajj flight from Mangalore, stating that the odd timing of the flight departure to Saudi Arabia from Mangalore International Airport caused a lot of trouble to Hajj pilgrims.
The flight for Hajj pilgrims is scheduled at an inconvenient time in the night (after 12 a.m.), which has been causing trouble to pilgrims who arrive from far places such as Chikmagalur, he complained, urging for a direct flight for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims at a suitable time.
Leaders such as KPCC minority wing vice-president U K Monu, DK zilla panchayat member M S Mohammed, Congress block committee president Abbas Ali and others were present.
In the meeting however, the absence of Congress Muslim leaders such as K S Mohammed Masood, Ibrahim Kodijal, Moidin Bava and others was conspicuous.
Comments
Add new comment