Development of Anjaneya’s birthplace our next objective: Basavaraj Bommai
Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Senior BJP leader asserted that Karnataka has played a pivotal role in the struggle for the ‘Ram Janma Bhoomi’ (Lord Ram’s birth place) and said that, “Ram and Karnataka have a great affinity, our next objective is to develop Anjaneya’s birth place.” Bommai was speaking after offering a special pooja at the Maruti Mandir near Balabruhi Guest house in the background of the Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on Monday.
“Today is a day of devotion and a historic day in the history of India. Today is the day of Pran Pratishthapane of Param Chandra. The final decision in a country's democracy is the decision of the people. The biggest work the government has to do is the work of the people. This work is being done by Prime Minister Modi. Rama's life is being enshrined in Ayodhya with Shraddha Bhakti. I will pay tribute to all the gentlemen who fought for the temple,” he added.
ALSO READ: Ram is incomplete without Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman; BJP separated him: CM Siddaramaiah
He further asserted that Karnataka has played a pivotal role in ‘Ram Janma Bhoomi’ (Lord Ram’s birth place). “Ram and Karnataka have a great affinity. Anjanadri is the birthplace of Lord Anjaneya. Our next objective is to develop Anjaneya’s native land,” he said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Activists write open letter to Odisha govt flagging anti-Christian violence
New Delhi: Activists and rights campaigners John Dayal, Aakar Patel, Vidya Dinker and Harsh Mander have expressed serious concern over the alleged rise in violence and intimidation against Christians in several districts, accusing both Hindutva organisations and sections of the police of targeting the minority community.
In a strongly worded communication addressed to the state administration, the signatories said they had received disturbing testimonies from affected people regarding social boycott, denial of burial rights, physical assaults and police intimidation.
According to the activists, Christians in some areas were allegedly boycotted by villagers, while people who traded with them, employed them or provided them shelter were also targeted.
The letter also highlighted what it described as “gruesome” incidents involving the prevention of burials of Christians within village burial grounds and even on privately owned lands belonging to Christian families. The activists said there were cases where bodies remained unburied for days due to opposition from local groups, while in some instances burials were allegedly forced to take place in forest areas outside village limits. Funeral prayers were also reportedly disrupted.
The signatories further alleged that in certain districts the violence escalated into physical assaults on Christians. They claimed that some victims were tied to trees and beaten, while others were allegedly placed inside sacks and assaulted. The letter also mentioned a few reported instances of sexual violence and attempts to burn people alive, which, according to them, were stopped at the last moment.
Expressing particular concern, the activists said many victims had testified that police personnel joined hands with Hindutva organisations to force Christians into signing “compromise” agreements. These agreements allegedly required them to give up their faith and stop collective worship.
The letter also accused the police of registering serious criminal cases against victims of attacks instead of taking action against the attackers. According to the signatories, many of those attacked were detained in police stations and jails, while in some cases the police themselves allegedly played a direct role in intimidation and violence against Christians.
Stating that there appeared to be a “complete breakdown in the constitutional machinery of the state” in relation to Christian minorities, the activists urged the administration to uphold and protect the constitutional and religious rights of all citizens without discrimination based on religion, caste or creed.
The letter was signed by John Dayal, Aakar Patel, Vidya Dinker and Harsh Mander.
