Mangaluru: As popular Islamic speaker and Proprietor of Peace TV Dr Zakir Naik is expected to address a public gathering in Mangaluru on January 3, 2016, saffron outfits on Saturday December 12, submitted a memorandum to Police Commissioner Murugan urging him not to grant permission as it would spark communal outrage.
Addressing a press meet, Dakshina Kannada Zonal Working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad MB Puranik said that Dr Naik has spoken against India’s unity, national song and Hindu deities and such a person should not be allowed to enter Mangaluru. “A person who said that our national song Vande Mataram cannot be accepted by Islam, cannot be allowed to enter India,” Puranik said, adding that the saffron outfits had no issue if the organizers replace Naik with any other speaker.
State Co-Convener of Hindu Jagarana Vedike Satyajit Surathkal said that Naik’s entry may trigger communal disturbance and added that the Hindu outfits will not be responsible if the situation goes out of hand.
When asked about International Working President of VHP Dr Praveen Togadia, who is expected to visit the undivided Dakshina Kannada on January 6, he said that Togadia might have spoken against terrorism and anti-social elements in the past but never against any religion. “Togadia has never spoken ill against any religion. However Dr Zaik Naik always delivers messages against other religions and hurts the sentiments of masses. On this ground, the district administration must not give permission to Dr Naik’s programme,” Satyajit said.
It may be noted that the Police Commissioner has not yet granted permission for the programme.
