Udupi: In response to recent disturbing developments in the coastal belt, a senior Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) delegation conducted a comprehensive outreach in Udupi on July 2. The team held strategic meetings with district officials, police authorities, seers, community leaders, and civil society groups to assess ground realities and propose measures to restore peace.
The delegation was led by AICC general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, accompanied by KPCC vice president A R Sudarshan, working president Dr Manjunath Bhandary, and former ministers K Jayaprakash Hegde and Kimmane Rathnakar.
Dialogue with Religious Leaders
After arriving on July 1 night, the team first met Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji of Paryaya Puttige Math at Geetha Mandir. Discussions centered on communal harmony, with Swamiji stressing the need for swift justice, truthfulness in public discourse, and non-politicization of religion. He noted that mutual respect and open dialogue are essential for unity.
Swamiji also shared that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been invited to the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations at Udupi Sri Krishna Math, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the CM’s presence.
Later, the group visited Pejawar Math and interacted with Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, who shared his concerns and thoughts on restoring social cohesion.
Meeting with Christian and Muslim Representatives
At Ave Maria Hall, the team met Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo and other Christian leaders. The bishop suggested forming peace clubs in schools and frequent peace meetings between police and local communities.
Activist Prashanth Jatanna highlighted the need for police to verify complaints on “love jihad” and conversions before filing FIRs, warning of the social damage caused by false allegations.
In their final stop, the delegation met Muslim community leaders at Udupi Jamia Masjid, where District Muslim Federation president Muhammad Maula submitted a memorandum urging firm governmental steps to safeguard harmony.
The team’s visit spanned Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga, forming part of a wider initiative to rebuild inter-community trust and prevent unrest.