Don't let Zakir Naik visit, urge pro-Hindu groups

Members of various pro-Hindu groups have urged the authorities not to grant permission for popular Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to hold a public meeting in the City on January 2, 2016.

Briefing mediapersons here on Saturday, Vishwa Hindu Parishat Prantha working president M B Puranik, Hindu Jagarana Vedike state co-convener Satyajith Surathkal, Bajrang Dal Prantha convener Sharan Pumpwell and ABVP divisional organising secretary S N Tejaswi said, “Zakir Naik speaks ill of Hindu religion. If the authorities grant permission, then we will stage a protest.”

Puranik added, “The statements of Naik spoil the society. He speaks ill of unity and integrity of the country, the National Anthem and Hindu gods and goddesses. There is a need to maintain law and order in the district. In a memorandum submitted to the City Police Commissioner, we have clearly objected to the programme by Zakir Naik.”

He also said that it is a conspiracy of the State government to organise such programmes. “In fact, a few governments have banned the entry of Naik to their respective countries. There is a conspiracy to bring him to Dakshina Kannada to let him make communally sensitive and provocative statements. If the government grants permission bowing pressure, then it will have to face the consequences in the future,” warned Puranik.

Satyajith said, “In case permission is granted for Zakir Naik’s programme, then the district administration will be held responsible for all the incidents that happen in the aftermath.”

Togadia programme

Puranik said that the Vishwa Hindu Parishat’s international working president Praveen Togadia will be visiting Sringeri on January 6. It has been decided to organise Togadia’s public meeting in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on the same day.

“Togadia does not provoke people. He speaks against terrorism. When they have granted permission to Zakir Naik, the authorities cannot deny permission for Togadia,” he said.