Kundapur, Sep 20: Local unit of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) held a public meeting here recently, to condemn the attacks on churches and prayer halls by Bajrangdal.

The meeting, held in Gandhi Maidan here, was preceded by a huge rally taken through the streets of the town, which was led by party leader Mahabal Voderhobli.

Addressing the gathering, CPM district executive committee member Chandrasheker said that the state convener of Bajrangdal, Mahendra Kumar, has already admitted the involvement of his organization in these attacks, but the state government failed to take any action against him and the Dal. The indifference shown towards the issue by the chief minister B S Yeddyurappa indicates, that himself as well as his government are justifying the attacks, launched at the behest of the Sangh Parivar outfits, he criticized.

The party's district committee secretary K Shankar, speaking on the occasion, urged the authorities to entrust the investigation into these attacks and the subsequent police atrocities, to Central Bureau of Investigation, as any investigation conducted by the state Corps of Detectives would just be an eye-wash, as in the past.

H Narasimha proposed vote of thanks.

Kundapur, Sept 15:  Two newly constructed bus stands were  opened near Shsthri Park in Kundapur for the convenience of commuters at the cost of  Rs 4.5 Lakh.

The Chairman of the Kundapur Town Municipality  Mohandas Shenoy said that these new bus stands have been constructed by the Town Municipality and hope that the public would make the best use of them and the Town Municipality could then only feel satisfied with its people-oriented projects.

The construction work was free of cost under taken by the Mangalore based company called CILA advertisers. Councilor Rajesh welcomed the guest. Chief Officer of Municipality K. Rayyappa gave introductory speech. Standing committee Chairman Satish Shetty, CILA advertiser’s general manager Walter Montero and Municipality Councilor were present on the occasion.

It could be recalled that a prayer centre belonging to one of the Christian groups near old service bus stand here was attacked by Bajrangdal activists on Sunday September 14 morning. Following this Catholics of almost all the 48 churches that come under Udupi zone had gathered in their respective churches in order to provide security to their churches.

Though attacks on Christians prayer houses and churches in neighbouring Dakshina Kannada district had given rise to sporadic violence, Christians of Udupi zone had maintained peace without giving heed to any rumours. Catholic youth who showed great restrain in not getting into violence, had urged all the Catholics to gather near deputy commissioner’s office in order to stage peaceful protest.

Accordingly more than 200 Christians from Shirva deanery, Kemman, Brahmavar, Udupi, Sastan, Barkur and other parishes gathered near deputy commissioner’s office on Monday. They were led by Vincent Alva, ICYM Udupi district unit animator Wilson D'Souza Shirva, ICYM Udupi former president Michael Rodrigues Sastan, ICYM Udupi president Manoj D'Lima, Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery president Felix Pinto met the deputy commissioner at her office and submitted memorandum.

The protestors restrained from staging any protest or rally but met the deputy commissioner maintaining peace.  Vincent Alva speaking with the deputy commissioner said that conversion is nothing but an excuse given to attack Christians. “We are peace-loving people and we do not want to harm anyone by word or deed. We respect everyone and expect the same from others. But we have been soft targets for fanatics. We condemn these attacks and urge you to give adequate protection to our prayer houses, churches and to us," he added.

Accepting the memorandum, deputy commissioner Hemalata assured that all Christians in the district will be give complete protection and law-breakers from any religion will not be tolerated. “I want to send a clear message to all  that anyone indulging in any kind of violence will be brought to books,” she assured.

Once the memorandum was submitted, group dispersed from the place silently. Though a few Bajrangdal activists had gathered outside deputy commissioner's office, nothing untoward happened, as both groups displayed exemplary restrain from violence.

Udupi, September 15: At Udupi and in Byndoor near Shiroor catholics prayer center ‘New Life’ was attacked by some militants on Sunday. In Karkala center on complain of converting people four have been enquired by police is reported.

Near Udupi bus stand in Krishna complex where the prayer center is situated some militants entered there and the chairs there were thrown over by them. But the followers continued their prayers. Then police brought the situation under control.

The militants who attacked in Shiroor have been said to burn the father’s bike and car. In Karkala center which is being carried on in a house, on complains of conversion by local Hindu sanghs police have being enquiring.

In the remaining centers of New Life in Koteshwar and Brahmavar no attacks have been reported so far.