More updates from a small town

There are two sites (www.daijiworld.com and www.mangalorean.com) that I occasionally visit to get my regular dosage of politics, festivals and weather updates from city of Mangalore. Till recently, I never realized how dishonest and biased they were.

During the recent Hindu-Christian riots in the area, these sites went hysterical. I understand the shrewd calculations behind their approach - They have to keep their biggest audience happy who happens to be Gulf-based Mangalorean Muslims and Christians. So, they would go to any (low)level to improve their circulation.

What these guys don’t understand is this – It’s the anti-Hindu rhetoric that started the recent riots in first place. The groups like ‘New Life’ Church had created enough hatred material for radical/goonda groups such as Bhajarang Dal and their sympathizers. Following the attacks on Church, the reaction by Catholic youth was anything but peaceful. News videos and reports clearly show how they were pelting stones at Police and public from Church premises.

These websites, instead of condemning the bad behavior from all sides, engaged in Hindu-bashing with an eye on increasing their visitors from Gulf area.

Remember, Church attacks resulted in only property destruction. Nobody was assaulted or killed. But, these sites started equating the incident to Nazis, Gujarath Massacre and genocide!! Needless to say, minority advocacy groups joined the party!!

BJP seems to have lost complete control over its radical factions such as Bhajarang Dal / Sri Rama Sene. It was quite clear when those thugs went around attacking church properties. What a sick mentality!!

Congress (I) has never changed from its disgusting policy of minority appeasement. It was quite pathetic to see Cong(I) leaders accusing everything on BJP and Police dept. In their eyes, radical groups such as ‘New Life’ church or those Christian youth who engaged in stone pelting had done nothing wrong.

Unfortunately, the future of Mangalore looks grim with a perfect mixture of radical groups, corrupt politicians and dishonest ‘journalists’. The recent clashes are only the beginning. And, it’s really sad. If you need a proof, look at Orissa.