HJS stages protests against Violence Prevention Bill

Manjeshwar, August 9: Hindu Janjagrati Samiti staged a protest at Hosangadi here, opposing Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill proposed by the Union Government.

Addressing the protesters, Mohan Gowda, Coordinator of HJS said that the union government has proposed the Bill with the interest of the minority community in mind and to punish the majority of Hindus. “Sonia Gandhi is the chairperson of the Draft Committee that has anti-Hindu members including Teesta Setalvad, Mahesh Mondel, and minority community members such as Asgar Ali”, he said.

“Under the Bill, Hindus are determined as criminals while speaking against the minority community; publishing articles on them will be considered as crimes which will carry an imprisonment of three years or a fine. It is an attempt to stem the freedom of expression of Hindu brethren which was bestowed by the Indian Constitution. If the minority community attacks Hindus, the Bill will not come to their rescue. Besides, one needs government approval to take action against the minority community” he said.

“Under Section 9 of the said Bill, it is mentioned that the police, government officers and media should come to the rescue of minority community in case of communal violence. Union government is empowered to dissolve a state government in case of an incident of communal violence in that state, under 355 of Indian Constitution by announcing it as internal law and order disturbance. Union government will form a national authority with 7 members for protecting the minority community, and members of the minority community will hold key positions and be the majority in it,” he added.

Prashant Kumble, another HJS leader said that if the proposed law came into force, the district and states commissions would be formed in each state to award justice and compensation in case of communal violence.

“In case of a rape on a woman from minority community, a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh will be awarded. However, in case of rape on Hindu women, it is not a major crime, instead a mere compensation of Rs 30,000 will be paid as per the Bill,” he said.

“Karnataka has IPC, CRPC and TADA laws that are much effective in curbing any incidences of communal violence; hence there is no need for a separate Bill. It's an effort by the Union Government to lure minority community,” Prashant added.