MLC Hariprasad discusses communal harmony with coastal leaders
Mangaluru: In the backdrop of communal violence, hate speeches and retaliatory killings in the coastal districts, senior Congress functionary and MLC
BK Hariprasad
met prominent thinkers, writers, theatre artistes, social activists, and functionaries of various movements from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on Friday.
They expressed concern over the increasing communal strife and deepening polarisation. They shared opinions and provided suggestions on the actions the govt should take to restore peace and harmony.
"Over more than three decades, communal ideology was systematically spread in the coastal districts. Due to inadequate resistance, communalism now assumed a monstrous form. The Congress govt, during its tenure, did not adopt a clear stance on this issue, allowing the activities of Sangh Parivar forces to continue unabated despite the fall of the BJP govt.
Hate speeches occur unchecked, leading to brutal murders, causing fear," thinkers said.
They noted that the Siddaramaiah govt of the state should take decisive action to curb communal forces.
"Programmes to promote harmony in educational institutions and cultural domains should be conducted, and the nexus between the underworld and communal elements in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi should be dismantled without hesitation.
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Legal measures should be taken to prevent bail in hate speech, mob lynching, and murder cases, and radical changes should be implemented across all divisions of district administration, including the police department and universities.
The govt should widely conduct programmes to instil the values of humanity and the Constitution among the people in the district, support harmony programmes conducted by social movements, and organise events promoting unity and coexistence," they noted.
After listening to the delegation's opinions, Hariprasad assured them of his support for secular forces and mentioned organising a meeting with CM Siddaramaiah, coastal thinkers, writers, and organisation leaders.
Muneer Katipalla, coordinator of the coalition of like-minded organisations, explained the purpose of the meeting. Notable attendees included renowned physician Dr Srinivasa Kakkillaya, rationalist Prof Narendra Nayak, folklore scholar Gananath Shetty Ekkaru, retired principals and writers Uday Irvattur, retired professor Shivaram Shetty, retired principal N Ismail, and representatives of various organisations.
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