AAP sets 'help'line for attack victims

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dakshina Kannada district unit, has appealed to the people call its helpline, in case of threats on communal grounds.

The move has been taken following the recent attack on the St Thomas Aided Kannada Medium School near Padu Bondanthila village in Neermarga, Mangaluru taluk, apparently by Sri Ram Sene activists, for teaching Arabic as optional.

In a press release, state co-convener and in-charge of Dakshina Kannada district unit of AAP, Shanthala Damle has said, “If anyone is threatened by communal goons, they should call AAP Dakshina Kannada helpline on 8884431217. The party volunteers will accompany the victims to police stations and mobilise needed support.”

Expressing solidarity with the school management, a delegation of AAP workers, led by Shanthala Damle, called on headmaster Melwyn Braggs and enquired about the welfare of children after the attack.

Arrests
Braggs said that a few suspects have been arrested since the attack and police are looking for others involved in the same. While some parents were afraid, he expressed confidence that the people would stand by them and advised the parents to send the children to school. He was also relieved that attendance at the school had picked up in the day.

The village school has a total of 160 students. The institution provides bus service to the students for a very nominal charge. Although it is run by a Christian institution, only five students are from the same community, while 25 are from minority communities and the rest are Hindus.

The school has Karate classes for students too, while French and German were taught earlier. Since many of the parents expect that their children to get job opportunities in future in Gulf countries, they feel that knowledge of Arabic would be beneficial – hence, the school was offering Arabic lessons.

Braggs was hopeful that the parents would not give in to fear but continue to support the extra-curricular lessons which are in the best interests of their wards.

Rohan Shiri, an AAP member, expressed anguish that although majority of the Mangaloreans are peace-loving people, barely a few goons are bringing disrepute to the region by engaging in anti-social activities.

Thomas Fernandes, a retired teacher of the school was also present.

Incident flayed
In a separate press release, Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike has condemned the incident and urged the police to act tough against the Sri Rama Sene members who barged into the school claiming that Arabic was bring taught to students forcibly.
“The incident was inhuman and barbaric and is against the aspirations of the Constitution,” the release added.
DH News Service