Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 6: "Even after a thousand years, Hindu nation will not become a reality. Indians will not remain quiet if politicians meddle with the constitution," felt former Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, who had resigned as IAS officer sometime back.

He was addressing a mega meeting of like-minded people who are opposing the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Population Register (NPR), and National Register of Citizens (NRC). The programme was held on Sunday January 5 at Hazarat school ground under the aegis of Ullal Muslim Union.

"Because of the central government's initiative in enforcing laws that are against the constitution, people who had so far not held aloft the tricolour have now also been holding the flag high. The union government has provided the people with an opportunity to show to it what is democracy. The central leaders aim at leading the country to abyss by controlling the media and universities. For repealing Article 370 pertaining to Kashmir, the government turned the entire state into a prison. Because of these things, the fear that we might lose India got deep-rooted in me. Therefore, I exited from government service. The Prime Minister has been lying in the national media that the act is aimed to benefit Hindu minorities who face persecution elsewhere, but the act does not contain the words, 'religious persecution'. There is lack of proper communication between the Prime Minister and the home minister, and they are confusing people by issuing different statements with each passing day. This is a tough act that can harm harmonious coexistence in India. Because of lack of proper leadership, everyone is walking out with the aim of saving the constitution. The government plans to create a wedge between people through NPR and NRC, and to bag votes by creating enmity between them. The union government is waiting for disturbances to happen in the country, but its leaders are frustrated about the fact that during the last 25 days nothing serious has happened. This is a drubbing for the central government. This is not the time to give vent to anger, we have to show our courage. I have already written to the union home minister. If officials visit my house seeking details and documents, I swear I will not provide them even if they imprison me," he claimed.

Local MLA U T Khader said that the acts brought out by the centre will fail on account of strong backlash faced by the central government in Ullal and elsewhere. He said that the constitution will win at the end.

Dinesh Ulippady, in his address, said that none of the programmes brought about by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, have been fully implemented, and predicted that CAA will also remain unfinished. He said that CAA is not anti-Muslim but it is anti-national. "By barring citizenship to Muslims from three neighbouring countries, the government is creating fear psychosis among the Muslims of the country. Does Modi plan to put 135 crore Indians in detention centres and install himself as the watchman there?" he questioned sarcastically.

Khateeb of Azikar Jumma Masjid Hafiz Swalahi, SKSSF state president Anees Kausari, SSF state leader Yakub saadi, Khateeb of Al Huda Jumma Masjid at Thokkottu Muhammed Kunhi, SDPI state leader Ashraf, state Dalit movement leader Ashok Konchady, SDPI Dakshina Kannada district president Athaulla Jokatte, JD(S) leader Nazeer Ullal, advocate of Christian Legal Service Fr Francis Assisi Almeida, and Congress leader Kanachur Monu were present.

President of Ullal Dargah Rashid Ullal administered the oath. Social activist Zakir Ullal and Musharaf Ullal compered the programme. Former councillor of Ullal city municipal council Mustafa Ullal, proposed vote of thanks.

Flowers to police

At the meeting, students of Hazarat College and organizers received the members of the Rapid Action Force, local police, and Karnataka State Reserve Police personnel posted on security duty by presenting to them roses and national flags. About a thousand police personnel were present on law and order duty whereas the crowd that had gathered had about 6,000 people. The activists served water to the police who kept close vigil in sensitive areas.

There was significant presence of women at the meeting, who were in thousands. The men had gathered in the ground while the women who gathered inside the school compound and building, raised 'Azadi' slogans.