Members of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have demanded the State government to take legal action against those who disrupt the Tipu Sulthan’s birth anniversary programme on November 10.

They have also urged the establishment of a university in the name of Tipu Sultan and a felicitation of Vijay Mallya, who brought Tipu’s sword back to India.

Addressing a protest outside the deputy commissioner’s office against those who have opposed the birth anniversary celebrations, IUML district president Ahmed Jamal said that Tipu was an unforgettable patriot who died for the nation. “Those who support Nathuram Godse and have built temples for him are opposing Tipu Jayanti. They can never be patriots,” he said.

Tipu had punished members of the Christian community, who were messengers of the British. As the British had used churches to store their weapons, Tipu destroyed some of such churches, he said and added that Tipu was religiously tolerant. “He had distributed land to Christians. He also provided protection to the Sringeri temple from robbers and worship is being conducted to date at the Kollur Temple in the name of Tipu Sultan,” he explained.

District secretary Mohammed Ismail said that Tipu Sultan had sacrificed his sons too, for the nation. “Lalbagh and Kannambadi dams are also his contributions. Only anti-nationals can speak against Tipu Sulthan,” he said, and added, “We congratulate the State government for its decision to observe Tipu Jayanti. The government is also asked to renovate the forts of Tipu and confer a gallantry award in his name.”

The members of the IUML said that Muslims were not against any community and the State could become a model by celebrating Tipu’s birth anniversary together and with harmony.