Bengaluru, April 29: Activists from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha protested on Tuesday near the Bengaluru International Centre in the Domlur area. They opposed the Karnataka government’s approval for the launch of a book about JNU activist Umar Khalid. Currently, Khalid is incarcerated in Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act related to the 2020 Delhi riots.
Police detained several protesters during the demonstration. The protesters chanted slogans against the Congress-led state government, accusing it of supporting terrorists.
As the protest began, police surrounded the demonstrators, taking them into custody and transporting them to an undisclosed location. A memorandum was submitted to Bengaluru Police Commissioner S. Kumar Singh on Monday, demanding that the event be prohibited.
BJP MP P.C. Mohan questioned the rationale behind the book launch, stating that Khalid is one of the main accused in the 2020 Delhi riots. He remarked, “Many lives were lost and property was damaged in the 2020 Delhi riots. What is the need to launch a book about someone who is currently in jail?”
Mohan insisted that the event at the Bengaluru International Centre should not be permitted. He stated, “We have requested the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to stop this event.”
Criticizing the event’s organizers, Mohan accused them of glorifying “anti-national elements.” He noted that such events are not allowed in other states, but the Congress government in Karnataka is adopting a lenient approach, which is why this event is taking place.
Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council N. Ravi Kumar also opposed the event. He stated that the BJP strongly opposes the launch of books based on Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are accused under the UAPA in connection with the Delhi riots.
He emphasized that the state government should not grant permission under any circumstances. Ravi Kumar pointed out that despite serious allegations, preparations for the event are underway. Referring to the February 2020 Delhi riots, he mentioned that the Supreme Court had rejected bail applications for Khalid and Imam.
Imam was arrested for speeches made during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens. Ravi Kumar alleged that 53 people died and nearly 700 were injured in the 2020 Delhi riots. He questioned the necessity of releasing a book about such individuals.
He also noted that a total of 18 people were arrested in this case, with 11 granted bail while 7 remain in custody. He raised concerns about the justification for publishing a book based on accused individuals.
–
Leave a Comment