How Mangaluru youth are rising against right-wing's moral policing


By Daru VMJ

Mangaluru, May 11: There was a time when the Sangh Parivar used to give a call for 'Mangaluru bandh' in the late evenings. Irrespective of the issue being major or minor, they were able to bring normal life to a halt within a few hours. The moral police had conducted several attacks and were able to create a sense of fear among the Mangalureans. Hence, the young generation of Mangaluru had to think twice before partying, clubbing, practicing their religion or going out with the opposite gender.

Indeed, the church attacks, pub attack, home stay attack and several other attacks by the moral police and the Sangh Parivar has not only dented Mangaluru’s image on the globe but has also created a sense of fear among the citizens of Mangaluru.

However, the young generation of Mangaluru is no more ready to accept the attacks and agendas of the Sangh Parivar. For the first time, youths have been campaigning extensively on the social media and appealing to the citizens of Mangaluru to not vote for the BJP. It is a ray of hope for the Mangalurean community to witness their youths belonging to different religions, faiths and political parties come together and expose the earlier attacks of moral police in Mangaluru.

Today, several posts, videos, images and audio clips relating to church attacks, pub attack, home stay attack etc have gone viral on social media. Most of the posts are alerting the educated and liberal citizens of Mangaluru to vote for liberal and democratic political parties and not for the BJP which directly and indirectly patronizes moral police.

It is worth mentioning that the Mangalurean citizens had not organized any major protests against moral police earlier. Hence, the political analysts used to wonder whether Mangaluru city supported moral police and other fundamental organizations. The city was also branded as ‘komuvaadada prayogashaale’ (lab of communalism) by the political pundits.

So when did the Mangalurean community start to counter anti-social forces?

Noted social activist who has led several protests against the moral police, Vidya Dinker, states that very few youths are a part of Hindutva agenda in Mangaluru. She states that Mangalurean community is not a community which would come to the streets easily. However, she says Mangaluru is not a communal place generally and there is a lot of anger among the citizens concerning the moral police. She says the present generation does not consider 'moral police' as a 'cool lifestyle'. They are more concerned about their career, jobs and lifestyle.

On the other side there is a pressure created by the progressive and democratic forces on the moral police groups. Several activists of the moral brigade were behind the bars earlier and they know the consequences of their acts. There are instances when the activists who were jailed had approached her to help them! She states the members of these organizations have seen their leaders living a luxury life and only the root level member facing the consequences. The members might be underprivileged and unemployed but they are not idiots to not see the reality. At the end everyone wishes for a happy life and no one wants to be behind bars. In this context, there is an awareness among the youths and moral police is slowly losing its ground in coastal Karnataka. She says while the Sangh Parivar is still polarizing people, the battle is not lost and she is hopeful that Mangaluru will be peaceful in the long run.

Concerning the role of police department under the present government, Vidya Dinker says they have fulfilled approximately 25% of the expectations from the progressive citizens. Even though the present government did not make 100% attempt to curb moral police, she says the government was better than earlier governments and the citizens at least had an opportunity to raise their voice and demand for justice.

Well-known journalist and a strong voice against moral police, Naveen Soorinje states: "More than 70% of the citizens are against moral police in Mangaluru. Earlier around 50% youth belonging to backward classes were directly or indirectly a part of Hindutva agenda. However, a large number of youth are no more associated with moral police groups. Especially, the Billawa youth have been deserting Hindutva organizations at present. The major reason being the denial of MLA tickets to many of the Billawa BJP leaders during this election." He also makes an interesting comment by saying that no youth belonging to GSB community and upper casts have been to jail for organizing attacks. Hence, there is a sense of enlightenment between the Billawa youth who believe that they have just been used to propagate Sangh Parivar agendas and they would not be promoted as political leaders."

Soorinje opines that in the recent times several progressive thinkers and organizations have redefined the word ‘Hindutva’. Earlier, the Sangh Parivar had branded ‘Hindutva’ as an aggressive way of practicing religion. However, several progressive organizations and political organizations like DYFI have been spreading the ‘Hindutva’ which was preached by Sri Narayana Guru and other religious leaders. He believes the police department has also played a partial role in countering moral police. However, he is of the firm opinion that the Congress government and the police department have failed in putting an end to the moral police. He gives a large share of credit to various progressive and democratic organizations who have strongly resisted fundamental organizations and highlighted their attacks on the international platform.

Soorinje also credits the social media where the common youth who do not belong to any political parties have been vocal against the moral police. He confirms that various discussions and posts on social media have created an awareness among the young generation.

Shashidhar Hemmady, editor of Karavali Karnataka web portal and a young writer states that the minority religious groups in Mangaluru live under fear. Whereas, the majority religious groups consider attacks by the moral police as 'minor attacks'. However, he is of the opinion that the majority of Mangalureans personally oppose moral police.

Hemmady further states that the moral police have learnt their lessons from the past incidents. Most of the youth who were jailed for being a part of these attacks believe that the Sangh Parivar and BJP did not come to their rescue. As they have suffered individually and seen their families suffer, today a large number of youth do not like to associate with moral police groups.

He also confirms that the educated, broad minded, secular youth want a peaceful life. They do not support moral police at any cost as they believe someday they might be the victims of moral police. Hemmady opines that the number of blind supporters on social media (commonly known as Bhakts) has come down drastically compared to the general election of 2014. He concludes his statements by stating that the head of religious institutions, education institutions and political leaders should speak against communalism and polices of hate. He is unhappy with the social and religious leaders who do not condemn moral police at the time of crisis. He appeals to the young generation to practice humanity, diversity and brotherhood and asks the youth to take inspiration from their families and parents and not aggressive Hindutva elements.

Nikhil Kholpe, a senior journalist states that it just a hype to say Mangaluru youth support 'Hindutva Elements'. He states that the educated youth consider moral police with utter disdain and they do not give any importance to anti-social elements. He too believes that a large number of youth have been countering and exposing moral police on social media. He is of the firm opinion that secularism has a long history and it will triumph in the long run.

Indeed, every citizen would opt for a peaceful life and not violence. There seems to be a wave on the social media against BJP and Sangh Parivar at present. If this wave spreads to the mainstream of the society, BJP would certainly lose its grip on coastal Karnataka. Now the major question will be how much the Congress and other political parties would gain from the losing ground of BJP in the Karavali region.

It is time for the Sangh Parivar to realize that the Citizens of Mangaluru would not accept violence and attacks in the name of the religion. Moreover it is an alarm to them to know that the common citizens of Mangaluru never supported their violent acts and the silence of the Mangaluru Community was not a consent to their anti-social activities.

Certainly, one cannot grow flowers by planting thorns. It appears that the BJP would pay heavily for its earlier acts during the Karnataka assembly election.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the above article are solely those of the author. Daijiworld does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Af,,, Mangalore

    Wed, May 23 2018

    Dear Young people, if you want to be safe and enjoy your life and having full freedom on your life then pls do not vote BJP.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun, Mangalore

    Mon, May 28 2018

    all voted for bjp. hahaha

    DisAgree [15] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Frank, Tulunad state

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Moral policing in this modernworld is correct. Man has stooped to the level of animals in behaviour. Today anybody can marry anybody. People do not see religion caste creed etc. Which is unacceptable. We are becoming a cultureless society. Youngsters start love affairs relationships at a very young age. Moral policing should increase and those facing legal problems should be helped by bjp leaders to come out from jail and restart moral policing.

    DisAgree [23] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Sat, May 12 2018

    Why moral police goondas keep quiet when there is rape? Why they are tight lipped that time? Is it not because their masters are supporting the rapes and involved in rapes???

    DisAgree [2] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • SMR, karkala

    Fri, May 11 2018

    When I compare the reaction in West Bengal for moral police attacking inside metro, Mangalore youth are far behind when it comes to asking for their own constitutional rights.

    Love Jihad myth originated in Kerala and grown in to Moral police is the biggest challenge for this nation. This is one the biggest invisible separation barrier city like Mangalore is facing and quickly engulf in to ball of fire with slightest rumours.

    Since 1991 Mangalorean voted for BJP for 25 years. The city is now became Nagpur of the south. Now even BJP leaders proudly say the city 'gateway' to the south.

    The young generation who are completely 'brainwashed' are the biggest 'victims' of the polarisation.
    The future of India in this city which is hub to many class quality education is pushed to fourth rank in this years SSLC result is worrying factor.

    In recent years only development which is aggressively taken place is 'hatred'. There is suspicious among the youth in their mind which is successfully planted by divisive forces.

    If youth of Mangalore don't reform themselves and distance this people or raise their voice, it will be too late Mangalore will be another Godhra which sitting MP wants.

    Now the time has come to reply this moral police in their own language. Though violence is last resort but 'Laaton ke bhoot baaton se nahi mante'. At Least mass rallies will ditter this forces.

    Jai Hind

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • PenMightierThanTheSword!, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Its about time for civilized citizens to wipe out evil forces such as the RSS, Sangh Parivar, PFI, etc — they have no place on earth!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • dossee, mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Moral policing is very bad idea and being in any organisation nobody has the right to act.. In India which ever is done secretly with out the parents and teachers permission is not called freedom for the students.. cigarettes, alcohol, drugs are definitely injuries to health..Whats the origin of the act and we need to understand why the act was intolerant. Mangalore name is spoiled and in the name of justice we are taking the wrong side.. how will we regain the purity of Mangalore culture..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jamal, MANGALORE

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Why only blame the RSS & the BJP. Congress is equally responsible for the growth of this fanatics. They play a soft hindutva role. If Congress really thinks it is secular party then it should deal it with very firmly with any organization whil spoils the peace of a city. Police are biased in their approach and the Congress govt doesn't take any action on them. Hence if the police are unbiased 50% of the problem is solved.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jagadish, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    It would have been good if the author had talked to people from the Sangh Parivar as well, especially youngsters. It would have given a picture of their thoughts too.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    There were thefts in the temples and there were no CCTV.'s.
    Why the temples were not installed of CC TV's

    SECONDLY DO YOU KNOW CHURCHES WERE ATTACKED DURING THE TENURE OF BJP CHIEF MINISTER YEDDY.

    DO THE CHRISTIANS ATTACKED THE CHURCHES. TELLS US.

    EVERY TOM RAM RAHIM KNOWS CHURCHES WERE ATTACKED BY THE HINDU FUNDAMENTALS

    DisAgree [4] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • I LOVE MY INDIA, udupi

    Fri, May 11 2018

    I don't need to tell the clever people of Karnataka about the bad & shameless history of this BJP party... ashamed to tell those bad things done by the BJP.. not even a single good thing done by the BJP.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jagoo India, India

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Unnao gang-rape case: CBI confirms rape allegations against BJP MLA
    Modi Yogi Modi Yogi....

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • santhu BIRUVE, Mumbai/Udupi

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Lets live with peace and love. supporting any party is his/her personal choice you cannot force anyone to support CONG/SDPI. I Am BJP supporter and MODI Fan. But I condemn moral policing and We youths should condemn this its irrespective which party is ruling us.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Moral policing is immoral and illegal which need to be stopped to preserve the democracy of the country

    DisAgree [2] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinod, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Mangalore is a city of all religions. We grew up eating and playing with hindus muslims and christians.
    No difference...no drawing lines...
    Its high time we the youth conquer back the spirit of Mangalore and put an end to the bullying.
    Our land is land of educated youngsters who wish peace.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mr.Kumar, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Very nice article by Daru VMJ. Congratulations. Please pass on this article, so that we can show our solidarity to the author and his efforts of spreading awareness on Moral Policing.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • I wish I was there, Bahrain

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Rathan Mangalore,
    Please ask yourself, how could I have been so ignorant? you are ignoring an issue makes that shows you a silent supporter of all the attack, specially the church attack, what proof are you looking for, cameras don't lie, you was born yesterday, with no knowledge of the past, you might easily accept whatever the BJP government tells you

    DisAgree [4] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • bangalore, bangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    South Kanara and the world will be a better place if the BJP is wiped out completely.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Sharjah

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Quote-'Most of the youth who were jailed for being a part of these attacks believe that the Sangh Parivar and BJP did not come to their rescue.' Its not a secret anymore that upper cast and many GS slipped away and Billawas and lower cast bore the brunt of cases. Its true-you can not fool all the people all the time! I guess brain washed are getting unwashed slowly but steadily!!

    DisAgree [5] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Godwin, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Modi ko hatao desh ko bachao. Yogi ko hatao ladkiyoko bachao..

    DisAgree [7] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rathan, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    May I know what the 25% promise which r fulfilled as per that lady ? Can she name few persons who have approached her to help them ? All bull shit.the other person wants to create division and enemity between Hindus by saying "billavas",and non billavas or back ward ?can he give proof to prove his point ?
    I think this article is hand work of some ",unseen ""hand" which wants to divide the ppl citing church attack which had not proved nor the home stay attack where there were no complaints by so called effected girls.in some cases ppl of same community had been arrested in church /statue vandalism
    Hope better sense will prevail in citizens of Manglalore

    DisAgree [77] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Dear Rathan,

    Have you seen Churches were attacked in the Twin Districts???!!!

    WHO ATTACKED THE CHURCHES???!!! CHRISTIANS???!!!



    HAVE YOU SEEN AND NOTICED PUB ATTACKS???!!

    HAVE SEEN AND NOTED HOME-STAY ATTACKS???!!!

    KARNATAKA WAS LARGELY PEACEFUL THAN BIHAR, MADHYA PRADESH, CHATTISGARH, GUJARAT, RAJASTAN, HARYANA, AND UTTER PRADESH.

    MANGALORE WAS LARGELY PEACEFUL DURING THE 5 YEAR TENURE OF CONGRESS LEADER UNDER SIDDHARAMAIAH.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [68] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Mr Gonsalves,

    WHO ATTACKED THE CHURCHES???!!! CHRISTIANS???!!!.

    Can you please tell who attacked churches? can you name any person ? any photos, why no CCTVs installed?. Why could not your dear government reinvestigate the case?. Dont depend on conjectures to put across a blame.

    DisAgree [38] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Sat, May 12 2018

    Churches were attacked by hindu fanatics duly supported by BJP Government. DYSP Ganapathy resorted to laati charge to innocents who were without any arms. That curse is haunting Yediyurappa still and he lost his chiefministership and now also there is no guarantee that he will be CM. You know very well about death of DYSP Ganapathy. Those who attack armless human beings won't survive.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [18] Report Abuse

  • Shridhar, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    You don't need proof to state that most of the youths involved in moral policing are from backward communities, especially Billava youths. Just to confirm yourself visit Mangalore and Bellary jails..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • el en t, mumbai

    Fri, May 11 2018

    But yesterday Yeddyurappa was proclaiming himself to the journalists of Times Mirror now that on 15th may he is going to take oath as CM of Karnataka along with BJP candidates numbered 138
    How come he predicted is it because of hidden setup in EVM?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, Kudla

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Evan though congress has not prevented completely of attacks on minorities but they have gone down comparing Yeddi times. Please donnot vote for who support violence and bias towards it's people of india. Bjp has done it and they are continue their biases and attacks on people. Yeddi donot deserve to win because his time he has not prevented church attacks. Top of that he make maNY Christians youth go prison and court cases. As a result many youth suffered lot due to his descriminations. Please donot make that mistake aga in voting him and honest will suffer at the hands of BJP. Congress is the only options. JDS is also turns out like BJP.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rational thinker, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    It is really heartening to see Mangaloreans finally opening their eyes to reality and coming down heavily on these anti social elements. The moral police have also realised that they are being lured, used and dumped at the end and the orchestrators of the crime are sitting high and enjoying their life. After watching the high voltage electoral campaign in Karnataka most people have realised that the present day politics is highly toxic and hostile.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Safwan Mohd, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    If bjp comes to power hundred percent these sene which were sleeping all these 5 yrs will wake up. This time the bjp has given tickets to those who are from this brigade only

    DisAgree [9] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peace Lover, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Respective Mangaloreans stand together and elect a wise strong party toform state Government. We all require a peace full normal life . In Karnataka all we want developments employment facility better future for our children. In our state and district don't give chance power to any criminal and communal groups. Irrespective cast and religion love each other and lead a peace full happy society and life.
    Jai Hind Jai Karnataka Long Live Tulunaadu.

    Elect a non communal party with full majority like last election.This is right time and must start from our great qualified state.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sampath, India

    Fri, May 11 2018

    So you are taking about sanghprivaar...and youths are not interested in Sanghprivaar.....can some one show them photographs of recent modi's visit ,Hindu samajotsava, and RSS related gatherings..hope that should stop them to think too much about it...

    DisAgree [35] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • rhea, mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    good..sangh parivar ko unka aukad dikao....thy themselves have al bad habits and come to torture youth...all youth should stand against these..we cant ley some thrd class characrer people to teach us what is right and what is not. we are answerable to god and our parents and not to spme randome doichebags..

    DisAgree [11] Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Educated Youth does not tolerate Nonsense ...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • sampath, India

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Thats why more and more educated persons are part of Sangh parivaar to tackle nonsense from ....

    DisAgree [15] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Hope and pray situation will improve in future ,whichever political party comes gains.Hope certain young generation learnt their lesson .One know never how they may change their colour.It is like Putting dogs tail in cylinder to become straight.Sometimes company too makes (freindship)with some liquor ,devil out of them.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shammi, Karnataka

    Fri, May 11 2018

    BJP hatao ,vikas apne aap aayega.

    Our hindu brothers think twice when you vote for BaJaPa .Because if it comes to power,we will have so many destruction,curfews,business on halt.We need economy booster.We are deeply sinking as money laundering is happening only within corporators.

    Billawa youths I appeal to all of you donot fall for their use and throw politics.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ayes. P, kuda/ksa

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Bjp bod sheera

    DisAgree [6] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Swamy, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    A vast majority is realizing BJP and modernization is like north and south pole. It's just a matter of time BJP will be wiped off from India and all its leaders will be facing trial.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [75] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mr.Kumar, Mangalore

    Fri, May 11 2018

    Well Said.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse


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