Mangalore : The CPI(M) staged a protest in front of the DC office in Mangalore on July 9, Tuesday in support of several of its demands including end to the practice of Pankti Bedha in Udupi Krishna Mutt and Made Made Snana at Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.

Addressing the protestors, Vasanth Acharya, CPI(M) leader said there was an immediate need to end the unwelcome practices in some temple. Stating that 23.65 per cent of the population comprised of Dalits he said 23.65 per cent of the totally budgetary  allocation should be earmarked for Dalits under Special Component Scheme. He also demanded reservation facility even in private sector.

Among other demands placed forth by the party include home to homeless, 2 acre land for landless Dalit families, increase in scholarship amount to SC/ST students, increase in food allowance to SC ST hostel students,

Several Dalit leaders including LT Suvarna, Vasanth Achari, Sunil Kumar Bajal and Muneer Katipalla participated in the protest.