People of Mangaluru unite in heartfelt solidarity' to pay tribute to Uri martyrs

Mangaluru, Sep 23: Condemning the terror strike on the Army's Administrative Unit at Jammu & Kashmir's Uri in which 18 soldiers lost their lives, citizens of Mangaluru on Friday took out a silent solidarity march in the city to offer their tributes to the martyrs.

Organised by United for a better Dakshina Kannada', a forum of several organisations in the district, the solidarity march attracted people belonging to different faiths, parties and age groups. The march which commenced at the entrance of Kadri Park culminated at War Memorial where people offered floral tributes to the bravehearts.

Speaking on the occasion, M Chandra Sekhar, Commissioner of Mangaluru City Police, said that each citizen of India should be grateful to the soldiers who do not hesitate to sacrifice their lives to protect the country.

“We are living peacefully here because of the efforts and sacrifices of our soldiers across the borders,” he said.

Saif Sultan Syed, a social activist and one of the main organisers of the event, Dr Sanjeev M Patil, DCP (Crime and Traffic), Abdul Azeez Darimi, Khatheeb of Chokkabettu mosque, Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro, Director of CODP, Umar UH, Founder of Career Guidance and Information Centre were among the participants.

Ahinda, Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha, Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Al Haq, Hope Foundation, Jain Samiti, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, Karnataka Missions Network, KKMA-Karnataka, MFriends, Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Muslim Lekhakara Sangha, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Society, Talent Research Foundation, Hidayah Foundation, Highland Islamic Forum and Yuva Vahini had extended support to the event.

In one of the worst attacks in recent times, as many as 18 soldiers were killed and over 20 others got injured post the terror strike on an army camp close to the headquarters of the 12th Brigade at Uri in Baramulla district on September 18.