'Book attackers under Goonda Act'

The attackers who assaulted youth in the Morning Mist homestay attack incident should be booked under 'Goonda Act,' demanded Karavali Souhardha Sangarsha Samiti President and MLA Ramanath Rai in a protest organised by the Samiti in front of Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Tuesday.

"People who are spreading fear in the society with moral policing should be strictly punished. The government should take strict action and ensure that incidents such as these do not occur again. India is known for its secularism and communal harmony and this image needs to be maintained," said Rai.

He also regretted that incidents of moral policing have created a black spot in the City's image.

Students and employees who were traveling in buses for picnics have been attacked, church attack, pub attack are some incidents that have brought shame to the city, he said. He also flayed State Women Commission Chairperson C Manjula's report, which highlights unimportant issues than giving justice to victims.

Addressing the protesters, Samiti General Secretary B Madhava said that the Samiti is formed by like minded people to uphold secularism and communal harmony.

"There are some senior leaders who try to provoke people to take law in their hands with hate speeches.

There is a need to stop this. However, silence maintained by the district administration encourages these leaders to continue with their actions. Police should not bend towards the pressure imposed on them by political parties. They should work to maintain justice in the society," he said.

Earlier, with an aim to increase awareness in the society, the Samiti staged a protest march from Jyothi circle to Deputy Commissioner's office.