Udupi: Bajrangdal Activists Protest over Banner of Our Lady of Vailankanni, Put up by Kalmadi Parish

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 26 Dec 2012: Bajrangdal activists staged a protest alleging insults to Brahmins in the banner erected in front of Stella Marris church, Malpe, near here, on Wednesday December 26, which in fact depicted the miracles of Our Lady of Vailankanni.

 
The banner was erected at the church complex, at the backdrop of dedicating the church to patroness Our Lady of Vailankanni twenty-five-years ago.  The banner depicted the miracle that was taken place in Tamil Nadu wherein a Brahmin boy had the apparition of Mother Mary. 

 
However, a few activists of Bajrangdal hurled slogans against the parish priest here on Wednesday at 10.00am, alleging that  Brahmins were insulted as in the scene, a boy belonging to their community is begging in front of Our Lady of Vailankanni; as it was wrongly pursued by them.

 

 
Meanwhile, Louis Lobo, vice president of parish council tried to convince the activists about background of miracle from the texts, which has not deterred them.  Although the policemen who arrived at the spot, tried to remove the banner; the activists did not let them to do so, as they continued verbal abuse on policemen.

 
Despite the repeated pleas by Louis Lobo, to remove the banner, if it hurts the religious sentiments of Hindu brethrens, the protesters did not care to listen.  Bajrangdal town convener Anil Kumar urged parish priest to come out of presbytery and seek pardon over the episode.

 
Fr Alban D’Souza in his apology said that it was not done deliberately, as to hurt the religious sentiments of any caste.   In case if it hurts in any way he offered to apologize, Fr Alban said.

 
The banner was vacated later by the policemen. 

 
The traffic on NH 66 between Udupi – Malpe was disrupted for nearly three-hour. 

 
DySP Dr Prabhudeva Mane, sub-inspectors of Udupi, Malpe and Brahmavar police stations were present at the spot.