(The Hindu, September 2008)
Karnataka
Ban outfits involved in attacks: Siddalingaswamy
Staff Correspondent
‘Changing one’s faith is one’s prerogative’
Dismissal of State Government sought
DAVANGERE: Thontadarya Siddalingaswamy has criticised the attacks on churches and suggested that the Government ban organisations involved in the attacks.
Speaking at a protest rally organised by the Komu Souharda Vedike here on Tuesday, Mr. Siddalingaswamy said 40 per cent of the country’s population comprised of the backward classes and marginalised sections. “Has the Government taken any steps to uplift them and bring them to the mainstream?” he asked.
In the absence of that , it was natural for them to embrace other faiths in order to improve their social and economic status. He said changing one’s faith was the prerogative of the individual concerned and any interference in this regard was unconstitutional.
Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Davangere MLA, alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party Government had been giving indirect support to the Sangh Parivar to attack churches. He said it was high time the Union Government dismissed the State Government, which had failed to contain the violence.
There were many burning issues such as fertilizer shortage and providing relief to the drought and flood-hit people, Mr. Shivashankarappa said and added that the Government instead of addressing them was focussing on other things.
Gowri Lankesh, writer; H.K. Ramachandrappa, trade union leader; K.L. Ashok, State convener of the vedike; and Kodihalli Chandrashekar criticised the Government for “orchestrating” the attacks on churches. Mr. Siddalingaswamy regretted that the vedike was not allowed to take out a procession in the city.
|
