Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MSP)

Mangalore, Jun 2: Communal harmony can be achieved by nurturing mutual respect for other communities, opined veteran communist leader B V Kakkillaya, speaking at a talk on 'Combating Communalism and Terrorism' organized at Karnataka Bank Employees auditorium in the city on Sunday June 1. The programme was a part of a series of programmes being held to mark the 90th birthday of Kakkillaya.

Kakkillaya opined that it would be fruitful to discuss ways and means to solve the phenomenon of communalism rather than discussing about communalism itself. Changes can be brought about by following communist principles thoroughly rather than engaging in allegations and criticisms, he advocated.

Independent India's founders took far-sighted steps to shun any communal clashes, as compared to the today's situation wherein passions are ignited at the drop of a hat leading to communal violence, he lamented.

In his address, another communist leader Shameem Faizie quoted instances where the police department failed to maintain law and order. He also held himself strongly against resorting to draconian laws like TADA and POTA in such cases.

Noted writer Sara Abubakker referred to the recent communal clashes that took place in Kasargod. Sporadic incidents of communal hatred have been reported all across the country, she said, holding negligence on the part of the government responsible for the spread of such incidents.  She expressed happiness at the fact that only a miniscule percentage of the majority community harbours animosity towards the minority and hoped that people with mature thoughts and sober minds would be able to achieve long lasting communal harmony in the country.