Leaders vow to isolate anti-social elements in their communities

Leaders from across communities took a vow to isolate anti-social elements that take law into hands in the name of religion.

Mangaluru:  At a convention held under the aegis of 19 apolitical organisations in Mangalore, leaders of all religions urged for peace and harmony.

Leaders from across communities took a vow to isolate anti-social elements that take law into hands in the name of religion during the "United we stand for a better Mangaluru," at Town Hall here on Sept 9.

Like-minded organisations that organized the meet include Ahinda, Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha, Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Hidayath Foundation, Highland Islamic Forum, Hope Foundation, Jain Samiti, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, Karnataka Missions Network, KKMA-Karnataka, M Friends, Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Muslim Lekhakara Sangha, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Society, Talent Research Foundation and YuvaVahini.

Kemar Sandeepani Ashram seer Sri Eesha Vitaldas Swamy said that those who are involved in communal clashes are actually ignorant of their own religions. "Let us be Mangalureans first before identifying ourselves as Hindus, Muslims, Christians or Sikhs. Our city has been facing several threats either in the name of unscientific projects like Yettinahole or in any other manner. In such scenario, we all should stand united for a better Mangaluru," he added.

St Joseph Institutions director Fr Onil D'Souza said the idea of oneness is possible only if people of all religions accept it in their life. "Preaching should not be limited only to speeches, but it should be put into practice for harmony in the society. Similarly, no religious practices should create trouble for others," he added.

Chokkabettu Mohiuddin Juma Masjid khateeb Moulana Abdul Azeez Darimi said only a section of the society is behind all anti-social activities. "People of Mangaluru have shown their tenderness of heart whenever tragedies struck the city. People of all faiths joined hands during the rescue operations when Air India Express flight crashed in Mangaluru. Muslim women were saved from drowning by Hindu youths at Ullal beach. Several such instances show that Mangaluru can be a better place to live," he added.

Mangaluru Sikh Gurudwara priest Gyani Parveen Singh called upon parents to teach children the values of universal brotherhood. "God is in your heart. All fights in the society will come to an end if we find god in every creation in this world," he suggested.

Other speakers include City police commissioner M Chandra Sekhar and deputy commissioner of police Sanjiv M Patil.

Source: Times of India