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PFI hails Congress government for withdrawal of cases; BJP calls it minority appeasement

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PFI

Mangaluru: Popular Front of India has hailed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led Karnataka government for deciding to drop cases against dozens of Popular Front of India activists, accused of involving in communal riots in different parts of the state in recent years.

Mohamed Shakib, PFI state president, has welcome the step and described it as a bold decision of the state government to withdraw cases booked against “innocents” by the erstwhile “communal regime” in Karnataka in the past.

“We see this as a very bold step second in the series, taken by the CM Siddaramaiah after the decision to conduct the caste wise survey in Karnataka,” said Mohamed Shakib, PFI state presided. “We congratulate the chief minister for this courageous step,” he added.

K Pratapsimha Nayak, president, DK district unit of BJP, said the decision to withdraw cases smacks in face of fact that PFI and Karnataka Forum for Dignity volunteers indulged in large scale arson, and caused damage to public property in Udayagiri and Narasimharaja police station limits of Mysuru in April 2009 besides attacking the policemen on bandobast duties. Mysuru City Police had registered 40 different cases in this connection and named 241 persons as accused.

Hassan and Shivamogga saw communal clashes over a Kannada daily publishing a translated version of Bangladeshi writer Tasleema Nasreen’s work Parda Hai Parda resulting in serious loss to public property. While 114 cases were registered in Shivamogga, 21 cases were registered in Hassan, Pratapsimha said adding 1,400 persons were considered as accused in these two districts. The state cabinet decision to withdraw these cases is appeasement of minorities, he noted.

Mr Nayak said the move further erodes the morale of the police force, which had already been dented with political interventions in illegal cattle transportation and other kinds of smuggling. The government was resorting to cheap publicity tactics. It had not thought about the long-term impact of the decision, he added.

(Agencies)

State withdraws communal violence cases standing against PFI, FFD activists

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(Representative image)

(Representative image)

Bengaluru: The state government has withdrawn about 175 cases involving about 1,600 accused, which had been filed against various persons in connection with communal disturbances which occurred in Mysuru and other places in the years 2009 and 2010. The accused named in these cases included activists of Popular Front of India (PFI) and Forum for Dignity (FFD).

During April and July 2009, communal clashes had erupted within the limits of Udayagiri and Narasimharaja polie stations in Mysuru. One of these disturbances had taken place in retaliation for tossing of pork inside a mosque, whereas the other one was concerning the activists of PFI and FFD ganging up illegally, engineering communal clashes, attacking policemen on duty and other members of general public besides pelting stones on them and causing loss of property.

In these two disturbances, 40 cases had been registered, and 214 persons had been named as accused.

In the other case pertaining to the year 2010, communal disturbances had occurred in Shivamogga and Hassan relating to the publication of Kannada translation of a work of controversial Muslim writer, Taslima Nasrin titled ‘Parda Ye Parda’. In this connection, 114 cases were registered in Shivamogga, and 21 in Hassan. 1,400 persons had been shown as accused in these cases.

With the state cabinet deciding to withdraw all these cases, the accused have heaved a sigh of relief.

(Agencies)

Ten persons get eight-year jail in hand chopping case

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T J Joseph

Kochi: A special NIA court here on Friday sentenced 10 persons to eight years jail term in the sensational hand chopping case of T J Joseph, professor of Newman College in Thodupuzha in Idukki, in 2010.

The Special NIA court Judge P Sasidharan gave two years jail term to three persons — Abdul Lateef, Anwar Sadique and Riyas – over charges under Section 212 of IPC dealing with harbouring offenders.

The court also ordered that an amount of RS 8 lakh as restitution from the convicts be given to the victim.

Those who were sentenced to eight years in jail are Kalappura Veetil Jamal (44), K M Muhammed Shobin (28), Shamsuddin (37), Punnakal Shanavas (32), Kaipalli Veetil K A Pareedh (36), Yunus Aliyar (34), Ayyukudi Veetil Shejeer (32), K E Kasim, Paruthikaatukudi Jafar (33), and K K Ali (34). They were found guilty under various sections of the central law dealing with terror — the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Besides UAPA, the court has also found the 10 convicts guilty under various sections of Explosive Substances Act and IPC that deals with criminal conspiracy and attempt to murder.

Eighteen people were acquitted by the court citing lack of evidence against them in the case.

The 13 persons owing allegiance Popular Front of India (PFI) were convicted in the case in which the right hand of T J Joseph was chopped while he was returning home after attending a Sunday mass at a church in Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district on July 4, 2010.

The court in its judgment said the prosecution has proved beyond all reasonable doubts that eight of the accused along with some others entered into a criminal conspiracy to eliminate the professor by inflicting grievous injuries.

They did it out of enmity towards Joseph accusing him of hurting religious sentiments of a community through a question paper he set for his students.

The court, which began the trial of the case in July 2013, had examined over 300 prosecution witnesses, four defence witnesses, over 950 prosecution documents, nearly 30 defence documents, and over 200 material objects.

Thirty-seven persons were charge-sheeted by the NIA in the case. However, 31 only underwent trial as the remaining six, including first accused Savad were absconding.

Joseph, head of the Malayalam department in the college, was suspended from service following the controversy over framing of a ‘derogatory’ question paper in 2010. His family went through tough times after he became jobless. His wife Salomi, who stood by Joseph during his trying times, ended her life last year as the family was facing severe financial problems.

Within days of her death, the college took him back before his retirement on March 31, last year.

(Agencies)

Mangaluru: Blasphemous content about Islam, Prophet on Facebook – Complaint filed

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facebook

Mangaluru: A complaint has been filed in Pandeshwar police station here on behalf of Popular Front of India, alleging that a person had posted objectional comments about Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that are blasphemous in nature.

Mr. Safwan, city unit secretary of Popular Front of India, has said in his complaint that a person named Nityananda Naik from Kundapur had uploaded certain contents in Facebook which deride Islam, Muslims, Quran, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The complainant has mentioned that the above contents have the potential of creating tensions between Hindus and Muslims on religious grounds. He has therefore, requested the police to take immediate action against the culprit. The police have begun investigation.

PFI clarifies on Shivamogga rally, blames Sangh Parivar for clashes

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(Representative image)

(Representative image)

Mangaluru: Popular Front of India (PFI) has issued a press statement clarifying on its recent Shivamogga rally and the subsequent clashes that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to some, and arrest of a few.

“We want to state the truth. With the help of a small group of media, communalists are trying to spread wrong news and the Sangh Parivar has been adding fuel to the fire,” the PFI media release states.

“Shivamogga convention which was scheduled for February 17 was postponed on account of Shivaratri festival and was held on February 19 instead. Around 15,000 people who participated in the procession rally were shouting slogans against communalists, anti-people policies of government and human rights violations. When the rally reached Gandhi Bazar, some Sangh Parivar activists started pelting stones and bottles. PFI volunteers tried to prevent people from getting incited. But when the stone-pelting continued, police resorted to lathi charge to control that but the participants of the rally were also targeted later without any warning. Police need to give explanation for the same.

“But the volunteers handled the situation well and the convention started peacefully at 6 pm. But during the convention goons from Sangh Parivar set fire to vehicles, shops and a house. Twelve persons were injured when stones were pelted at a mosque. The people who came from Chikkamagaluru, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada were targeted and in the ensuing clashes, 17 were injured and one person died. As many as 35 cars, three mini buses and nine buses were damaged. It is not yet certain as to who were involved in the clashes,” the statement reads.

“BJP leaders have influenced the police to arrest innocent Muslim youths. They wanted to target PFI leaders. Police have illegally arrested people from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and other places. A similar type of convention was held on February 21 in Chamarajanagar which went on peacefully. Police also handled the situation well there. We request everyone to support us to counter anti-national elements. We also urge the state government to show no mercy to these anti social powers.

“We demand justice in the Shivamogga incident. There is no doubt that it was a pre-planned attack. The state government should not show any mercy to such forces. We will continue to fight against communal forces and we stand by the people affected by the incident.” the statement from PFI concludes.

Seven PFI activists taken into custody from Bantwal taluk for Shivamogga violence

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(Representative image)

(Representative image)

Bantwal: As many as seven activists of Popular front of Indian have been taken into custody in different parts of Bantwal taluk by the police in connection with post-PFI rally violence in Shivamogga.

At least two persons were killed and several injured in the aftermath of a communal clash that erupted after miscreants pelted stones at a PFI rally on February 19.

Police sources said that they picked up the PFI activists in Bantwal on Tuesday night after watching the video footage of PFI rally and the clashes.

A team of police from Shivamogga rural station searched for them for two days at Kelaginapete, Kalladka and Farangipet in the taluk, it is learnt.

According to police, around 60 PFI activists from Bantwal were present during the clashes in Shivamogga.

The arrested accused are Muhammed Mushar (21), son of Pakeer Saheb from Posat in M Kody Kundapur, Asheed Ahmed (32), son of K A Hussain from Posat in M Kody, who is an interior designer by profession, as well as Arshad Ahmed (27), son of K Ibrahim, and Muhammed Hanif (43) from the same village. They were arrested on Tuesday February 24.

(Agencies)

Shivamogga continues to be tense after communal clashes

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Firefighters trying to extinguish the flames aftera motorcycle was set on fire in Shivamogga on Thursday. Photo: Vaidya, The Hindu

Firefighters trying to extinguish the flames aftera motorcycle was set on fire in Shivamogga on Thursday. Photo: Vaidya, The Hindu

Shivamogga: A youth was killed and many others seriously injured in a violent incident that occurred on the outskirts of Shivamogga in the aftermath of communal clashes erupted between Hindu and Muslim groups during the unity march taken out by the cadres of Popular Front of India (PFI) on Thursday.

Sporadic incidents of stone pelting, burning of vehicles and car were reported from Shivamogga on Friday too.

A group of armed persons attacked three youths who were heading towards Shivamogga from Tirthahalli on a motorbike near Gajnur. Vishwanath Shetty (32), who was injured in the attack, died.

Amidst the turmoil the funeral procession of Shetty was carried out. The family members had decided to conduct his final rites at Rotary Crematorium. Accordingly when the funeral procession passed near Sagar Pravasi Mandir few people who were part of process entered into an argument with a bike rider. The argument resulted in a brawl and finally ended up with the man’s bike being burnt. As the procession advanced further few shops and push carts located on Kuvempu Nagar were also burnt by the miscreants. Stones were also pelted at Mahaveer Circle and prayer hall. Few men also tried to assault the cops who tried to stop the miscreants from creating further damage. As the situation went out of control the protesters were caned by the police men.

On Friday shops and business establishments located in Gandhi Bazaar, Nehru Road, B H Road, Durgi Gudi were forcibly closed by the policemen. Vehicular movement including auto rickshaws and government run buses was minimal. The city which remained calm until 11 in the morning witnessed stone pelting incidents again. While few miscreants pelted stones at a lorry parked in Vinobha Nagar few others torched a bike parked in Kumbaragundi. Efforts were also made to burn a bike in Gandhi Bazaar. Policemen had to then resort to lathicharge in order to bring the situation under control.

The situation worsened to the extent that Tumkur District Superintendent Raman Gupta and In-charge Superintendent of Police S S Naik and other policemen were hurt in the incident.

On Friday when the hospital which had conducted the autopsy of Vishwanath Shetty went to his house to hand over the body, his relatives refused to accept it as they demanded compensation and also wanted the Deputy Commissioner to visit the house. Upon receiving information District In-charge Minister Kimmane Rathnakar arrived at the spot and declared a compensation of Rs 10 lac and a cheque of Rs 2 lac was also given to the family members on the spot.

Hindu organisations have called for an Shivamogga bundh on Saturday, February 21, as mark of protest. Following which holiday has been declared in schools and colleges.

Prohibitory orders have been clamped till February 25 and heavy police reinforcement have been posted in strategic places to prevent any untoward incidents.

So far 50 people have been arrested.

(Agencies)

Sangh Parivar trying to destabilize Congress govt by spreading violence: PFI

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(Representative image)

(Representative image)

Mangaluru: Rejecting the allegations made by Sangh Parivar and pro-Sangh Parivar media that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised during a rally in Shivamogga as a ‘pack of lies’, the Popular Front of India has demanded a thorough probe into the violence that caused widespread damages.

In a press statement issued here, the PFI held Sangh Parivar fully responsible for the communal violence that erupted in Shivamogga on Thursday during a unity march organized by the PFI.

The release stated that even though the PFI had decided to organize unity march on February 17 in Shivamogga, later it was decided to postpone to February 19 as mark of respect towards Hindus, who were celebrating Mahashivaratri on February 17.

It said that a group of miscreants attacked and assaulted PFI activists during the peaceful rally. Several PFI cadres were brutally assaulted and injured. In the violence that ensued, several shops and vehicles were also torched by the mob.

It further states that few communal forces unable to stand the empowerment of minorities, Dalits and other oppressed classes in the country, were trying to taint the name of the organisation since a long time.

The recent Nandita suicide case in Thirthahalli is proof that these communal forces are trying to spark communal violence in several parts of Karnataka as a means of attempting to destabilize the Congress government in the state. Having failed at this, these forces are repeatedly targeting minorities and minority organisations, states the release.

The PFI has also demanded a separate investigation into the murder of Vishwanath (32) on the outskirts of city of Shivamogga in the aftermath of the clash.

It said that stringent action should be taken against the culprits who made a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace in the society by carrying out an attack on PFI rally.

(Agencies)

K M Shareef re-elected as Chairman of Popular Front of India

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K M Shareef

Calicut: Mr K M Shareef has been re-elected the Chairman of Popular Front of India by the National General Assembly of Popular Front of India which was held at Malabar House, Puthanathani in Malappuram district on 27-29 December 2014. The Assembly concluded with the election of National Executive Council members and National Functionaries for the next two year term. The other National Functionaries are E M Abdul Rahiman (Kerala Vice Chairman, M. Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Tamil Nadu) General Secretary and Muhammad Khalid (Manipur) Treasurer.

In addition to the above, the members who constitute the new National Executive Council are as follows: O M Abdul Salam, C Abdul Samad, M Abdul Samad, Abdul Vahid Sait, C K Afsal, Anis Ahmed, Ashraf Moulavi Karamana, Hamid Muhammad, Prof P Koya, Muhammad Roshan, Adv Muhammad Yusuf.

The Assembly started with the introductory speech by the chairman K M Shareef. The annual report was presented by the General Secretary O M A Salam. The members reviewed the report and submitted suggestions for next term.

During past one year the organisation has shown considerable increase in number of members and units across the country. At present the organisation has around 80,000 cadres along with more than 3 lakh associates. In addition to 11 states where the organisation has full-fledged network, it has registered expansion and growth in another 7 states.

During the current one year, Popular Front has intervened in different social, political and international issues. A nationwide campaign was held demanding the repeal of the draconian law UAPA. The organisation has taken steps to build a broad based alliance of different minority and civil rights leaders and groups against growing authoritarian and communal tendencies. The national movement against UAPA, the Sikh-Muslim mission for communal harmony, the joint platform that has commemorated anti-Sikh riot of 1984 and Babri Masjid demolition of 1992 are a few among such steps. In the context of Israel’s attack on people of Gaza, Popular Front held nation-wide solidarity campaign captioned ‘I am Gaza’.

In the community development and social welfare areas, the organisation has undertaken the School Chalo campaign cum service programmes during the current year also. 78,889 school kits were distributed in 16 states at a cost of Rs. 2,54,59,116. An amount of 94,17,802 were spent for scholarships. 2047 students got the benefit of this scheme. In addition it was reported that around Rupees 8 crore were locally mobilized and utilized in different activities such calamity relief, medical support, home to homeless, drinking water and self employment. Immediately after the flood in Kashmir, the organisation has launched a relief and rehabilitation project. Along with the distribution of food and clothing, 347 winter homes were constructed and handed over to stranded families in 35 villages. This task was completed within 3 months by spending around Rs 2 crores collected from public.

A set of resolutions pertaining to various social and political issues were adopted after discussions. The Assembly renewed their pledge to stand in the forefront to empower Muslims and all other deprived and targeted classes and take them to a bright future in spite of all adversaries. The NGA has also resolved to strengthen the struggles against the communal, fascist, anti-people, anti-democratic and anti-national challenges increasingly engulfing the nation. Moulana Usman Baig, Prof P Koya and Anis Ahmed addressed different sessions. Around 200 delegates from 11 states participated in the NGA. The programme was concluded with address by relieving general secretary O M A Salam and re-elected chairman K M Shareef. The programme director Adv Muhammad Yusuf proposed vote of thanks.

Madras High Court quashes cases against 1000 PFI activists

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Madras High Court

Chennai: Madras High Court has quashed cases of rioting, attempt to murder and unlawful assembly registered against more than 1,000 members of Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with a clash with police during a rally taken out in Ramanathapuram district in February this year.

Madras HC Justice G M Akbar Ali, in a petition filed by 19 persons named in the cases, said it would be a farce to slap unlawful assembly charges on the petitioners after having allowed the rally.

The PFI workers had clashed with police when the latter objected to alleged deviation in the route of the ‘unity march’ taken out by the organisation on its foundation day.

Cases were registered against 1,000 unknown persons besides these 19 petitioners.

“There are more number of injured on the organiser’s side than police side,” the judge said, adding police personnnel had suffered only minor injuries and were treated as out-patients.

Holding that no useful purpose would be served in probing the FIR against 1,000 unnamed persons and the 19 others, the judge quashed the entire case.

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