Puranik publicly apologizes on behalf of pro-Hindu organizations

Puranik publicly apologizes on behalf of pro-Hindu organizations

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 23: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader M. B. Puranik issued a public apology on behalf of the VHP and Bajrang Dal for the behavior of Bajrang Dal activists who had trespassed on the disputed property of Urwa Marigudi Temple and threatened its authorities on June 21, Monday. 

Puranik told journalists that the VHP regrets the “overemotional” behavior of certain Bajrang Dal activists who quarreled with the trustees of the temple. He also clarified that the organizations are not against the temple authorities, who belong to the Mogaveera community, because they are part of a greater Hindu society. Declaring that we are all Hindus, he said that the organizations will not act against the Mogaveera community, which plays a major role in all Hindu activities. The VHP leader also pointed out that several Bajrang Dal and VHP activists are from the Mogaveera community. 

Explaining the intentions of the Bajrang Dal activists who trespassed on the disputed land and quarreled with the temple authorities, he said that they wanted to protect the interests of the Hindu society. He said that the activists were unaware that the Naga Kallu, which had disappeared from the temple premises, has been taken to the Kudupu Temple. 

Brushing aside rumors of conflicts between the Mogaveera community and the Hindutva groups, he once again declared that “we are all Hindus” and that “we stand united for the cause of Hinduism.” 

Leaders of the Mogaveera community had earlier sought a public apology from Bajrang Dal activists for threatening the trustees of Urwa Marigudi Temple with regard to the land dipute. They alleged that Bajrang Dal was trying to destroy peace and harmony among people of different cultures and religions. Puranik clarified that the chief aim of pro-Hindu organizations, which advocate the Hindutva philosophy, is to protect the interests of the Hindu religion, culture, sacred lands, and places of worship. 

Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell, who was briefly arrested on grounds of trespassing, Shivananda Mendon, and many others were present during the press conference.