Mangaluru: Condemning the brutal murder of senior journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh a week ago, the Mangaluru Catholic Sabha staged a protest near DC Office here on September 14.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hayavadana said, “Murder of Gauri Lankesh is a murder of democracy. Gauri was not only a journalist but also an activist who took part in the progressive thinkers’ forum against suppression, injustice in the society and even she has written about this in her publication. Gauri till her death, lived for equality, liberty and fraternity.”

“Mahathma Gandhiji who strived for equality, unity, harmony and brotherhood was killed. Likewise, Gauri Lankesh who also fought for socialism, secularism, harmony and equality in the society has been killed. But Gauri’s thoughts and her ideology will always remain immortal. Gauri had written truth, always had courage to write against the pro-establishments. She was also against violence.”

Mohammed Kunhi, manager of Shanthi Prakashana publications said, “Gauri Lankesh till her last breath, lived for the harmony and betterment of the society. She worked to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens till her death. Cowards who could not face Gauri for her thoughts and challenge her ideology killed her. A murder cannot end an ideology or a thought. We can learnt it from history.”

“While bringing the killer behind the bars, the government should also book who have had plotted the murder of Gauri Lankesh. Government should identify and punish them This is dangerous to the society”, Kunhi added.

He also said that society should not remain silent citing that it was dangerous.

Mangaluru Diocese PRO Fr. William Menezes urged the government to bring the culprits to books.

Fr. Mathew Vaz welcomed.

Anil Lobo, President of Catholic Sabha and Deepak D’Souza were also present.