Mangaluru: ABVP agitators slam govt; demand action against anti-nationals'

Mangaluru, Aug 17: Hundreds of ABVP activists on Wednesday staged a demonstration in the city in protest against alleged anti-India slogans raised at a function in Bengaluru last week.

Slogans were allegedly raised at a programme organized at the United Theosophical College where action of Indian Army in the Kashmir valley was criticized, especially the killing of Burhan Wani, who allegedly had links with the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Students from different colleges in Mangaluru gathered at Ambedkar Circle and then marched towards Hamilton Circle near state bank bus terminus were a protest meeting was held.

Speaking on the occasion, ABVP District Convenor Naveen said that by hailing Burhan Wani as martyr the organisers of the event insulted the soldiers of the Indian Army who laid down the lives fighting for the nation.

The state government must derecognize both Amnesty International (AI), organisers of the programme and United Theosophical College for allowing AI to hold such a program under Sedition laws, he said.

He also condemned the State government for the baton charge against ABVP agitators in Bengaluru. “Instead of inquiring into the complaint of raising anti-national slogans, the State government allowed police to chase away protesting ABVP activists in Bengaluru,” he said.

ABVP Mangaluru Taluk Convenor Sudhip Shetty said State government has to be cautious of groups in Bengaluru that are speaking against the nation and the Army.

He alleged that by trying to project the Indian Army, which according to him was trying to curb terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, in bad light, the organisers had indulged in anti-national activities.

They sought the immediate arrest of those who reportedly raised Pro-Pakistan slogans' during the programme.

The agitators warned that they would not disperse until the Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha personally receive their memorandum. Around noon, Mr. Jagadeesha received the memorandum and said it will be forwarded to Governor Vajubhai Vala.