Mangaluru: Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest on Tuesday in front of the Mini Vidhana Soudha, condemning the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and demanding strict action against an alleged cattle smuggling network operating in the region.
Protest draws large participation
Hundreds of activists from both organisations gathered at the protest site, raising slogans and holding placards to express their anger and concern over what they described as repeated attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The protest also focused on a recent incident near Maravoor Kenjaru, where cattle were allegedly robbed, slaughtered and their remains dumped, triggering outrage among members of the organisations.
The demonstrators alleged that such incidents not only hurt religious sentiments but also pointed to the existence of organised criminal networks involved in cattle theft and smuggling. The gathering created a charged atmosphere in the area, with police deployed in adequate numbers to ensure law and order.
Condemnation of alleged atrocities in Bangladesh
Addressing the protesters, Murali Krishna Hasanthadka, former regional Goraksha Pramukh, strongly condemned the alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. He claimed that members of the Hindu community there were facing intimidation, attacks on places of worship and threats to their safety.
He urged the Union government to take up the matter at an international level and press for the protection of minority rights in Bangladesh. He also appealed to people to remain united and vigilant, stating that silence in the face of such incidents would only embolden those responsible.
Demand for action against cattle smuggling
A major focus of the protest was the alleged cattle robbery and slaughter incident near Maravoor Kenjaru. Speakers alleged that cattle were forcibly taken, slaughtered and their remains disposed of, causing distress among local residents.
Murali Krishna Hasanthadka demanded that the cattle smuggling racket be completely dismantled and those involved be brought to book without delay. He said such activities were often carried out by organised groups and required strong and sustained action from the police and district administration.
Activists alleged that cattle smuggling has been continuing despite repeated complaints and demanded stricter monitoring, increased night patrols and the setting up of special teams to curb such activities.
Call for stricter enforcement
Other speakers at the protest echoed similar sentiments, stating that cattle theft and illegal slaughter not only violated the law but also disturbed communal harmony. They urged the authorities to implement existing laws more effectively and ensure that offenders are punished.
Leaders also warned that failure to act decisively could lead to public unrest, and called upon the administration to treat the issue with seriousness. They demanded transparency in investigations and swift filing of charge sheets in such cases.
Leaders present at the protest
Several senior functionaries of the VHP and Bajrang Dal were present on the dais during the protest. District president H.K. Purushotham, divisional secretary Shivanand Mendan, provincial co-coordinator Bhujanga Kulal, and former regional Goraksha Pramukh Murali Krishna Hasanthadka addressed the gathering.
The leaders highlighted the objectives of the protest and reiterated their commitment to what they described as the protection of Hindu interests and cattle. They also appealed to activists to continue their efforts through lawful and peaceful means.
Police presence and situation under control
Police personnel were deployed in and around the Mini Vidhana Soudha as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident. Traffic movement in the surrounding areas was regulated for a brief period due to the gathering of protesters.
Officials said the protest remained largely peaceful, with no reports of violence or damage to public property. After submitting their demands and concluding their speeches, the protesters dispersed.
Broader concerns raised
The protest reflects growing concerns among certain groups over incidents they perceive as threats to religious communities and traditional livelihoods. Organisers said similar demonstrations may be held in the future if their demands are not addressed.
They also called upon the government to engage with community representatives, strengthen intelligence gathering on illegal activities such as cattle smuggling, and ensure that law enforcement agencies act impartially.
Conclusion
The demonstration by the VHP and Bajrang Dal highlighted two key issues — alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and concerns over cattle smuggling in the region. While the protest concluded peacefully, organisers made it clear that they expect concrete action from the authorities. How the administration responds to these demands is likely to shape future discourse and mobilisation around these issues.