Protests held across Karnataka to condemn violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

BENGALURU: Protests and shutdowns were organised in different parts of the state on Wednesday to condemn the violence against Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh. Several organisations, including Sangh Parivar outfits and religious leaders took part in the protests.

In Bengaluru, a protest was organised by the Hindu Hitarakshana Vedike at Freedom Park wherein thousands of workers of Hindu groups had gathered. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jagaran Vedike, Ahikla Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat (ABVP) and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh lent their support to the protest. A memorandum was later presented to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

Social activist, Uday Bhat, Catholic Christian Association state convenor Shanta Kumar, Hindu Jagaran Vedike state convener Keshavamurthy, social worker Dr Giridhar Upadhyaya, Kuruba leader Mukkudappa, Atmanirata Chaitanya Swami of Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Rakshit, state vice-president of the Melmaravathur Adiparashakti Samithi were among those who took part.

In Ballari, the Deshbhakt Nagarikara Vedike had called for a voluntary shutdown which was supported by the BJP, RSS, ABVP and other Hindu organisations. While some businesses had shut down on their own in support of the bandh call, others shut down later on the insistence of Hindu leaders and workers.

This led to friction with the police for some time. Later, thousands of activists gathered at Royal Circle and formed a human chain and raised slogans against the caretaker government in Bangladesh for failing to prevent attacks on Hindus.

Hindu activists and students gathered at the Ambedkar Circle in Raichur and staged a protest and took out a rally to the DC’s office under the aegis of the Hindu Hitarakshana Samiti. They also demanded the release of jailed Hindu leaders in Bangaldesh. Raichur city MLA Dr Shivraj Patil also took part in the protest.

In Mandya, Hindu Hitarakshana Samiti activists staged a protest in front of the DC’s office and raised slogans against the Bangladesh government. They also demanded that the interim government should take steps to protect the lives of Hindus living in that country.

A ‘Janandolana Jatha’ was organised at Ramanagara from the police quarters to the DC’s office. The protesters pointed out that Hindus were being massacred in Bangladesh and businessmen were being picked and killed while women were being attacked, and yet the government was doing nothing about it.

The protesters also demanded that the Centre raise the issue with the Bangaldesh government through diplomatic channels and prevent the atrocities on Hindus in that country. Later, they submitted a memorandum to the additional SC.

Hindu activists staged a protest at the Onake Obavva Circle in Chitradurga in which Shivasharana Madara Channaiah Math seer Basavamurthy Madara Channaiah, BJP MLC K S Naveen, former legislators G H Thippareddy, S Thippeswamy and other took part. Later, they presented a memorandum at the deputy commissioner’s office.

In Kolar, a procession was taken out from the Ambedkar statue at Bangarpet Circle through the main streets of the city, with activists raising slogans against the Bangladesh administration. They also demanded that the Union government should intervene and ensure the protection of Hindus in that country.

A public meeting was also held at the old bus stand. VHP leaders and others including Dr Shankar, Omshakti Chalapati took part in the protest. As a precautionary measure, the police had heightened security.