Pics: Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - (TP)

Udupi, Sep 12: The Hindu Hitarakshana Samithi organised a mass protest at the Ajjarkad Martyrs Memorial on Thursday, September 12.

The demonstration was held to condemn the violence that occurred during Ganesha Chaturthi in Nagamangala, Mandya. The incident involved stone-throwing and petrol bomb attacks, injuring nine police officers, who are currently receiving treatment.

Shrikanth Shetty, spokesperson for the Samithi, said, “In other countries, majorities oppress minorities, leading to protests. However, in India, minorities are attacking religious centres of majorities, and complaints are filed as if the systems will provide justice. In the Mandya incident, criminals attacked nine policemen, and the police were afraid to assist during an attack on a shop. This situation has created an environment where Hindus face difficulties celebrating their festivals in their own country. Each year, the Ganesha Chaturthi celebration requires a bond for peaceful conduct. The home minister has termed this an ‘accident,’ but such incidents are not minor. If justice is not served, we will stage more intense protests in the future.”

Sunil K R, another protester, stated, “The recent violence during Ganesha Chaturthi is condemnable. Stone-throwing incidents occur every year during this festival. However, there were no such incidents during the recent Moharram celebrations, showing that Hindu society desires peace and harmony. The home minister’s dismissal of these events as minor is unacceptable. The attacks on Hindu devotees with knives and petrol bombs, as we believe terrorists were involved. All perpetrators, supporters, and protectors of these acts must be arrested.”

Members of the Hindu Hitarakshana Samithi, the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and others participated in the protest.