Qureshi row: Postpone ‘Mangaluru Chalo’, says Zameer; No, replies Ashraf

Mangaluru, Apr 23: United Muslim Front (UMF), an umbrella body of PFI, SDPI and a few likeminded groups, has turned down the suggestion of Chamrajpet MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan to withdraw or postpone the ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ event.

Headed by former Mangaluru Mayor K Ashraf, the UMF had recently announced its plan to hold ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on May 2. ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ is a protest meet against the alleged police atrocity on Ahmed Qureshi, a resident of Katipalla, who had sustained severe injuries in the custody.

The UMF had sought the support of Zameer Ahmed for the scheduled event. On Saturday Zameer visited the family members of Ahmed Qureshi and also held discussions with a few local Muslim leaders who are eager to hold the ‘Mangaluru Chalo.’

On Sunday, speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme, Zameer said that the organisers of the ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ have agreed to postponed the event.

“Siddaramaiah government has already handed over the case of alleged police atrocity to Crime Investigation Department (CID). It is a commendable move and I am sure that truth will prevail. Hence I have suggested them drop the plan of ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ or organise it after the month of Ramadan,” Zameer said.

However, Ashraf later clarified that the UMF has not yet decided to withdraw or postpone the event. “As per plan ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ will take place at any cost on May 2. It is impossible to withdraw the protest as Qureshi is still suffering and the government has failed to give him justice so far,” he said.

He also said that UMF would convince Zameer the necessity of holding ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ and seek his support too. Meanwhile, PFI and SDPI have continued social media campaign for the event.

On the other hand, prominent Islamic organisations such as SKSSF, SSF, Jamaath-e-Islami Hind and Khazis of Mangaluru, Ullal and Udupi have refrained from endorsing Mangaluru Chalo.