Mangaluru: The leaders of several Muslim organisations responded to police-released footage of violent protesters with videos depicting police brutality at various parts of the city on December 19.
Speaking to mediapersons on Thursday, December 26, Muslim religious leaders including Udupi Qazi Ibrahim Musliyar questioned the police’s motive to release the riot videos on public domain while it was under investigation and claimed that it was an attempt to change the narrative. Sunni Yojana Sangha (SYS) General Secretary Dr Jhaini Kamil said, “We respect all media, but a section of the media is also spreading misinformation. Why are they not playing any videos of the police firing that took place? The press is supposed to be the fourth estate in a democracy but certain TV channels are not covering the truth.”
Through a projector set up in the room, the members played various video clippings of alleged police brutality. One of the videos showed police initiating a ‘lathicharge’ on protesters seated on the ground while another footage showed female police personnel grabbing a child away from her father.
‘Nousheen and Jaleel were innocent’
The religious leaders also insisted that the two victims who lost their lives in the police firing were innocent. Commenting on the incident, Sunni Coordination Karnataka leader Hamza Saqafi said, “Jaleel was not at all a part of the protest and had just stepped outside to know what was going on. Nousheen was also simply finishing up his work and returning home. There was absolutely no need of police to start firing. Stone-pelting and violence was taking place in other parts of the city but there was no violence in the area where police shot the victims.”
Adding to his comments, Karnataka Muslim Jamaat (DK) General Secretary BM Mumtaz Ali said, “There are absolutely no videos of the two victims committing any crimes. The police claim that they were trying to set fire to the police station. If so, there are many cameras set up at the two police stations in the area. Why are they not releasing that?”
Contesting other police claims
Mumtaz Ali from the Muslim Jamaat further informed reporters that it was not uncommon for people to gather at areas where the incident took place. He said, “Bunder and State bank are the city centre. It is normal for people to gather there, especially in the evening.” When asked about the police seizure of vehicles used for stone-pelting, they replied by saying that there are several places undergoing construction in the area and as a result, vehicles carrying construction material such as stones are commonly seen there.
Demand for Judicial Inquiry
The leaders mentioned that they did not believe in the CID inquiry and said that they would like to establish the truth before the public as well. Talking about the next steps in seeking justice for the victims, Ali said that no police station is accepting their FIR. “This is why we have decided to file a private FIR online.” He also sought the help of reporters to investigate and bring out the truth before everyone.
There is also a protest against NRC and CAA being planned on January 4th, according to Ali.
