Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) members held a protest near the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur locality on Tuesday, opposing the Karnataka government’s permission for the release of a book on JNU activist Umar Khalid, who is currently lodged in the Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.
The Police detained the protesters.
The protesters raised slogans against the Congress-led state government and displayed posters stating their opposition to “Urban Naxals” who, they alleged, support terrorists.
As the protest began, police surrounded the protesters, detained them, and took them in buses to an undisclosed location.
A memorandum had been submitted on Monday to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh seeking denial of permission for the event.
Speaking to the media earlier on Tuesday, BJP MP P.C. Mohan questioned the move, saying that Umar Khalid is a prime accused in the 2020 Delhi riots.
“Several people lost their lives and property was damaged in the 2020 Delhi riots violence. What is the need to glorify an accused who is still in jail?” he asked.
He also said that permission should not be granted for the book release event scheduled at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur.
“We have submitted a request to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to ensure that the programme does not take place,” the BJP leader added.
Criticising the event organisers, BJP leader Mohan alleged that such events amount to glorifying anti-national elements.
“In other states, such programmes are not allowed. However, since there is a Congress government in Karnataka, a soft approach is being taken towards such elements, which is why this event is being organised,” he said.
He also alleged that the Congress-led state government is indirectly supporting the glorification of anti-nationals and urged authorities to take necessary action to prevent such activities.
Opposition leader’s Chief Whip in the Legislative Council, N. Ravi Kumar, also opposed the event.
Speaking to reporters, Ravi Kumar said the BJP strongly objects to the release of books on Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both accused under the UAPA in the Delhi riots case.
“The state government should not permit this under any circumstances,” he added.
He said that preparations are underway for the book release despite the seriousness of the allegations.
Referring to the February 2020 Delhi riots, Ravi Kumar added that the Supreme Court had rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
Sharjeel Imam was arrested for his speeches during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
He alleged that the 2020 Delhi riots led to the deaths of 53 people and injuries to around 700 others.
“Now, a book is being released on such individuals. What is the need for this?” he asked.
Ravi Kumar also noted that a total of 18 people were arrested in the case, of whom 11 have been granted bail, while seven remain in custody.
He questioned the rationale behind releasing a book on such accused persons.
(IANS)
