MANGALURU:

has expressed happiness at a move by the

to cancel the

in Karnataka. The move by the previous Congress government led by Siddaramaiah and subsequent coalition government led by

in observing Tipu Jayanti after one of the most ‘despotic’ ruler in the history of Karnataka was one guided by policy of appeasement, the Vedike said.

Franklin Monteiro, founder of the Vedike in a communique on Tuesday said Tipu Sultan is credited with having presided over the massacre of Christians and Hindus in equal measure and forcibly converting the rest centuries ago. The previous two governments celebrated the Jayanti of such a despot only to further their vote bank politics, he said, adding the step taken by the new BJP government under Yediyurappa to cancel the same, is timely.

Scores of people under Tipu Sultan’s rule converted to Islam fearing persecution from his tyrannical soldiers, Franklin said, adding Tipu took every step to foster the spread of Islam in his kingdom. Anyone opposing the same was massacred openly, he said, adding others were forced to leave the kingdom to escape his army. ‘Netherkere’ in Dakshina Kannada district is a living tribute to the cruelty perpetuated by Tipu Sultan’s army, Franklin noted.

Noting that the past two governments had played a major role in perpetuating the memory of such a despot, Franklin said the BJP government under Yediyurappa has taken the right step in cancelling the same. This move has given justice to Christians and Hindus who faced humiliation time and again under Tipu Sultan, he said. The government instead must observe the birth anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam instead, he suggested.