Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Aug 8: “If Hindu dharma is attacked, there is no point in merely staying alive,” said MLA Yashpal Suvarna at a protest organised by Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Bhakthabhimani Vedhike at the DC office in Manipal on August 8.
Yashpal Suvarna said, “They are sowing seeds of poison. Do not test our patience; we are devotees of the demi-god. Those with a communist mindset, and those aiding them, are being warned not to test our patience. If we begin our protest, no government will be able to stop it. If Hindu dharma is attacked, there is no point in merely staying alive. The people of Karavali love peace, but after such attacks on dharma, remaining silent has no meaning. The people of Karavali have faith in Dharmasthala, so do not hurt them. We speak less and work more.”
Raghupathi Bhat said, “Dharmasthala is not limited to one particular religion. We have submitted a memorandum to the DC, but even before the SIT’s report is out, some so-called activists are spreading fake news, which people tend to believe quickly. This must be stopped. Dharmasthala has greatly contributed to Udupi, empowering women through the Dharmasthala Grama Abhivrudhi Yojana and other initiatives, and supporting the development of small temples. By standing with them, we are showing that the entire society is behind them.”
Social worker Vasantha Giliyar said, “Everyone comes to the temple as devotees. If there is a head office for a demi-god, it is Dharmasthala. Soujanya is just a reason; if justice for Soujanya is needed, fight in court. The truth is, the cooker bomb blast targeted Dharmasthala, which we recently came to know. When an unidentified man appeared, the government initially refused to form an SIT, but the very next day created one. No one is against the SIT investigation, but we demand transparency. The SIT must clearly state that they have not provided any information and must take strict action against the media spreading fake news. By Monday, the Home Minister must declare that no report was released, and the SIT must act against those circulating false news.”
Hundreds of devotees of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala staged a protest, condemning what they described as deliberate attempts to tarnish the temple’s image in connection with the “hundreds of buried bodies” allegations.
Protesters alleged that anonymous individuals were being used to defame the sacred institution and accused three persons of intentionally spreading false propaganda about the temple on social media. They demanded strict action against the anonymous individuals involved and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
After the protest, a memorandum was submitted to the deputy commissioner of Udupi, Swaroopa T K, demanding a proper investigation into the case.
The gathering saw the participation of BJP district president Kutyaru Naveen Shetty, leaders, devotees, and others cutting across political affiliations, who expressed their unwavering faith in Dharmasthala and condemned the spread of misinformation.