Mangaluru: Congress Minority leaders in DK resign en masse over serial murders, Govt inaction
Mangaluru: Several Muslim leaders and office-bearers of the Congress party in Dakshina Kannada district collectively resigned from their posts on Thursday, expressing anger over the recent serial killings in the region and what they called the continued neglect of the Muslim community by the state government.
The resignations were announced during an emergency meeting held at the Shadi Mahal auditorium in Bolar, Mangaluru. Leaders and activists from across the Congress hierarchy — from booth-level workers to district and state office-bearers — were present at the gathering, which saw tense and emotional scenes unfold.
The meeting was held under the leadership of KPCC General Secretary M.S. Mohammed. D.K. District Congress Minority Unit President Shahul Hameed addressed the gathering and expressed frustration over the deteriorating law and order situation in Dakshina Kannada, especially in the wake of the brutal murder of Abdul Rahman, secretary of the Kolathamajalu mosque.
Anger boiled over when party workers stormed the stage and began demanding justice, shouting slogans and pressing the leadership to stand with the community. Despite efforts by senior leaders like M.S. Mohammed, former corporator Abdul Rauf, and Suhail Kandak to calm the agitated crowd, the situation quickly spiralled out of control.
Sources said the leaders had initially planned to postpone their resignation for a week and adopt a wait-and-watch approach. However, this change in stance led to outrage among the workers, who accused the leadership of backtracking and failing to take a firm stand.
The hall soon descended into chaos, with shouting and commotion making it nearly impossible to continue the proceedings. Facing intense pressure from the grassroots workers, the leaders gave in and began announcing their resignations publicly.
Suhail Kandak was the first to step down from his post, setting off a chain reaction. One by one, other leaders including Shahul Hameed and M.S. Mohammed followed suit, declaring their resignations from their respective party roles. The collective resignations were seen as a strong message to both the Congress leadership and the state government.
The mass resignation comes amid heightened tensions in Dakshina Kannada following a series of targeted killings, with many alleging a pattern of communal violence and selective inaction.
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Meghalaya MP death: Assembly session for Feb 20 likely to be adjourned, says CM
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20, during which the state budget is scheduled to be presented, could be adjourned as a mark of respect to Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskits of the city, and doctors at a private hospital declared him dead around 8:45 pm.
"We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) headed by the Speaker," Sangma told PTI.
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"I have communicated to the Deputy CM that it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget," he said.
Sangma expressed shock over the sudden demise of Syngkon, recalling their recent meeting in Delhi where they discussed development plans for Meghalaya.
"I had met Syngkon about two weeks back in Delhi... that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him," the CM said.
Sangma recalled Syngkon's commitment and passion for the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, describing his demise as a "great loss for the state".
"Syngkon served the people with humility, vision and a sincere desire to uplift society. I express my deepest condolences to the family of late Ricky Syngkon, and I pray to the Almighty that he gives strength to the family members as well as his supporters and party leaders to bear the huge loss," the chief minister added.
