The Hindu seers will go on a hunger strike if ‘anti-conversion’ and ‘anti-cow slaughter’ laws are lifted in K’taka.

Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyuru Mutt along with seers of various mutts at a press conference after the meeting with VHP leaders, in Mangaluru on Friday, June 30. | Photo Credit: H.S. MANJUNATH via The Hindu.

Withdrawal of anti-conversion law, changes to cow slaughter Act will disturb peace in Dakshina Kannada, say seers. 

If the government goes ahead with withdrawal, the seers will go on a hunger strike, says Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyuru Mutt…

B Upendran | HENB | Mangaluru | July 4, 2023::Prominent Hindu seers and heads of different Mutts in Karnataka made an appeal to the newly elected Congress in Karnataka not to repeal the laws like ‘anti-conversion’ and ‘prohibition of cow slaughter already in fore in the state. Otherwise, the seers and Mutt heads may go on an indefinite hunger strike to protect the dharma and culture of Karnataka. Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyuru Mutt along with seers of various Mutts told this at a press conference after the meeting with VHP leaders, in Mangaluru on Friday, June 30.

While calling upon Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar not to go ahead with the withdrawal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act and further amend Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, seers from Dakshina Kannada said on Friday, that if the government goes ahead, then it will lead to a breach of peace in Dakshina Kannada and other parts of Karnataka.

Taking to reporters after holding a meeting with 10 seers of Dakshina Kannada district, Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyuru Mutt said the recent statement by some Ministers on the move to withdraw Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act and bringing changes to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act has hurt the seers.

“We are condemning the move, which is definitely anti-Hindu. The government should not hurt the sentiments of Hindus,” the seer said and added, “I have full faith in the government and it will not withdraw.” If the government goes ahead with withdrawal, the seers will go on a hunger strike, which will bring people to come together and raise their voices against the government. Mohandas Paramahamsa Swami said if seers sit on the hunger strike, people will get agitated and it will lead to a breach of peace.

Rajashekarananda Swami of Vajradehi Mutt said seers will also launch a legal battle if the anti-conversion law is withdrawn and changes are made to cow slaughter law. The seer said they will launch a separate agitation if police victimize Hindu activists in connection with old cases of ‘moral policing’.

Regretting the acquittal of the lone accused in the rape and murder of Soujanya, the seer said religious leaders will shortly discuss on the ways to get justice for the victim’s family.

The proposals of repealing the existing anti-conversion and anti-cow slaughter laws by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Govt led by the Congress party have created a heavy stir in the minds of Hindus in Karnataka.

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__Inputs from The Hindu.