Peace Festival in Udupi Amid Protests; High Court Clearance Allows Event, Missionary Lazarus Attends

20-03-26 07:54 pm       Udupi Staffer   ಕರಾವಳಿ

A three-day “Peace Festival” (Samadhana Mahotsav), led by controversial Tamil Nadu-based missionary Mohan C. Lazarus, began in Udupi on Friday despite protests and warnings from the Hindu Jagarana Vedike.

Udupi, March 20: A three-day “Peace Festival” (Samadhana Mahotsav), led by controversial Tamil Nadu-based missionary Mohan C. Lazarus, began in Udupi on Friday despite protests and warnings from the Hindu Jagarana Vedike.

The event is being held at Mission Compound in the city from March 20 to 22. Leaders of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike had objected to the programme, alleging that it was part of a conversion agenda and urging the district administration not to grant permission for Lazarus to participate.

However, the organisers approached the High Court and secured an order directing the district administration to provide protection for the event. Following the court’s directive, police have deployed security at the venue.

Mohan C. Lazarus has arrived at the location, and the programme has commenced. Meanwhile, Hindu Jagarana Vedike activists staged a protest under the leadership of Srikant Shetty and others. Police detained the protesters as a precautionary measure.

Leaders of the organisation also alleged that several cases have been registered against Lazarus in Tamil Nadu and accused him of making anti-Hindu speeches. They had warned that such events could disturb communal harmony in the otherwise peaceful town of Udupi.

Earlier, police had issued a notice to the organisers, advising them to invite an alternative speaker instead of Lazarus. Despite this, the organisers went ahead with the event after obtaining permission from the High Court.