Udupi: AAP strongly condemned the murder of Praveen Poojari in Udupi by the self-appointed “cow-vigilantes” of Hindu activists. A delegation by the AAP members of coastal region met Praveen’s family and offered condolences and support.

The state government has completely failed in controlling the law and order, especially in the coastal region, where the situation often gets out of hand because of illegal “moral-policing”. There were also reports that the family of the victim is being pressurized to cite accident as the reason for death. AAP strongly condemns any attempts to protect the accused.

For last several years, the Coastal region has suffered violence in the name of “protection of religion”. It is clear that the murders don’t really care about the religion. The victims, historically, have been minorities or dalits. The state government’s failure to catch and punish the culprits in many previous cases has encouraged the rogue elements of the society to extend their violence to other sections of the society as well.

Anyone killing a fellow human being cannot claim to be a representative of God or any religion. And such extreme elements should be dealt very strongly and quickly.

“Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of tough action against “Gou-rakshaka” brigade engaging in violence.

However, it was too late and too little. Prolonged silence and inaction by PM Narendra Modi has emboldened such elements to the extent that now they have killed a BJP activist. BJP, which has often given tacit approval of “go-rakshakas” and often condoned violence for the perceived “political advantage” have now lost their own party’s activists to the violence. An eye for an eye is never a solution” said Shanthala Damle, State Co-convener and Udupi district-in-charge at AAP.

Aam Aadmi Party urges the state government to take action against the culprits, appeals to all citizens of the coastal region to restraint, and calls for working towards the communal peace and a fearless society.