Bhatkal, October 9: Continuing its agitation against the media crusade against Bhatkal Muslims, a prominent socio-political organisation of the region has called for Bhatkal bandh on Thursday, October 11.
The dawn-to-dusk bandh call is part of the efforts of Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem to exert pressure on the authorities to arrest the communal and anti-social journalists, who allegedly “spewed venom against Bhatkal Muslims and their religious institutions through a Kannada daily newspaper with the intention of tarnishing the image of the peaceful town and spoil the communal harmony in the region”.
Tanzeem vice president S M Parvez, who announced the bandh at a media conference here, said that the malicious story appeared in 'Kannada Prabha' on September 2, this year, was nothing but a media crusade against Muslims of Bhatkal.
He said that because of such media crusaders, who portray innocent Muslims as traitors and terrorists, entire community is looked upon with distrust.
He said that the Kannada daily has insulted the entire town by baseless allegations against a community.
The hateful report not only targeted Bhatkal Muslims but also targeted eight famous Masjids of the town, terming them as “prohibited areas, where police too did not venture”, Mr Parvez said and added that the Tanzeem did not understand why authorities did not take any action against those responsible for such a hateful and communal story.
“Though we submitted a memorandum to Additional Superintendent of Police, and Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal on September 10 requesting them to arrest the editor and reporter of the particular newspaper, no action was taken by the police department. With lot of hope once again, we approached the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Karwar on September 18, explained them the sensitivity of the situation and requested them once again to take action, but in vain”, he lamented.
Hence, Tanzeem has decided to observe bandh demanding legal action against those who tried to spoil the peace. All the schools and colleges in the town will remain closed on Thursday, along with shops and other establishments, he said, appealing to various local organisations including auto-rickshaw drivers to support their cause.
He further said that they would intensify their protest if the administration did not pay heed to their demand even after bandh.
Mr Parvez stressed that Hindus and Muslims have been living in peace and harmony in Bhatkal, without any communal feuds. “We will never allow the peace to be disrupted here,” he said.
Tanzeem general secretary Altaf Kharoori, former president Parvez Kashimji, Zubair Moulana, K M Ashfak, Inayatullah Shabandri and Sanaullah were also present in the press meet.
Meanwhile, local units of Congress and JD(S) also have extended their support to the Tanzeem sponsored Bhatkal bandh.
Also Read:
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