Mangaluru: The Indian Union Muslim League staged a protest near the DC office on Monday, November 9, against all the associations opposing the Tipu Jayanti celebrations in the state and lauded the state government for the initiative of celebrating Tipu’s birth anniversary despite opposition.
Addressing the protestors, Dakshina Kannada district President Ahmed Jamal said, “Hindu outfits have been protesting against Tipu Jayanti for no reason. Tipu never destroyed a Hindu temple. Instead, he strived to protect them. The Sringeri temple’s glory is an example to showcase his interest in protecting temples.”
Speaking further he said, “Yes, he did kill a section of Christians. The main reason is that they were the informers of the British. He wiped them out with best interests of the country. He was the first freedom fighter of India.”
League member Basheer said that the state government’s move to celebrate Tipu Jayanti is welcomed. However, it should also keep its promise of building a university to keep him immortal.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister through the DC, the Union placed a demand to honour UB Mallya for bringing back Tipu’s sword from foreigners. The other demands included addition of lessons on Tipu’s patriotism in school curriculum, bringing back his downtrodden clan living a miserable life in Kolkata and introduction of Tipu bravery awards to achievers on Kannada Rajyotsava.
