Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 8: The members of Udupi district Mahila Congress expressed condolences over the death of well known journalist, writer and editor, Gauri Lankesh who was shot dead by unidentified miscreants recently.
The condolence meet was organized in Congress Bhavan at Brahmagiri here on Thursday, September 7. The members observed silent prayer for the slain journalist after lighting the lamp.
Speaking to the gathering, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes said, “The nation has lost a good personality, rational writer and a critic. I was shocked by her cruel death. She was a strong character who fought for human rights. She got recognition at national level due to her fearless brand of journalism. Let her soul stay in peace.”
Nagesh Udyavar, district Congress said, “There were misleading comments on social media against her works. I personally feel that I have lost a good sister, though she was junior to me. Some people are portraying that she was killed due to property dispute.”
“In spite of facing economic crisis in her life, she did a lot of reforms for Naxals and tried to bring them to main stream society. Many suspect that Naxals were behind her death. I am sure that they have not carried out this heinous murder.”
“The concerned department should take stern action against the culprits. She should get justice as soon as possible and culprits must be given stringent punishment,” he added.
Jyothi Hebbar, vice president, District Mahila Congress said, “Gouri Lankesh was a bold lady who raised her voice against harassment of women. No one can suppress the voice and rational thoughts of her. It is difficult to lead a peaceful life and raise social issues of majorities.”
“Gouri was fighting in favour of women. Citizens of India have got freedom but women have not yet got the Independence in true sense. Miscreants have only killed her body but her teachings will continue to live on. It is the biggest tragedy that we have lost right to express one’s opinion,” she added.
Sunitha Shetty, Selina Karkada, Sandhya Thilakraj, Ramesh Kanchan, Narasimha Murthy, Sarasu D Bangers and other leaders were present.