CONDEMNING TERRORISM: Members of Hindu organisations protesting under the banner of `Dharma Rakshana Vedike' in Bijapur on Saturday.

BIJAPUR: Pontiffs of various maths and members of Hindu organisations took out a protest rally here on Saturday against the bomb blast at the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi.

The march was taken out under the banner of "Dharma Rakshana Vedike." The procession that began at the Siddeshwar temple passed through the main streets of the city before culminating at the Gandhi Chowk.

The protesters shouted slogans against the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government for adopting a "soft stand" towards terrorists.

They burnt an effigy of terrorists at Gandhi Chowk. Motorists were put to hardship as traffic was diverted from M.G. Road. Shopkeepers closed their establishments during the procession.

Shivaputra Swamiji of Shanmukharoodhamath, Jayadeva Jagadguru of Vanashri Samsthanamath, Sanganabasava Swamiji of Yarnalamath and Nareshananda of Swami Vivekananda Ashram, who spoke, voiced concern over the increasing number of attacks on Hindu shrines across the country.

Noting that Hindus are peace-loving and tolerant, they said religious leaders should condemn terrorist activities.

Terrorists do not have any religion. Such elements should not be encouraged. Any force aimed at spoiling communal harmony should be dealt with firmly, they said and urged the Centre to act tough on terrorists and their supporters.

Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangha leader Chandrashekhar Kavatagi and vedike secretary Shivarudra Bagalkot urged the Government to deport Bangladesh and Pakistani nationals who are overstaying in the country. They stressed the need to reintroduce POTA.

Adhishakti Taruna Sangha president Shrishala Gachchinmath; Ramesh Bidnur, Prakash Akkalkot, Guru Gachchinmath and Umesh Vandal, vedike members; Ashok Nyamgonda, Ravi Bagali, Vyasray Diwanji, Rajashekhar Magimath, Prakash Mirji, Sharadha Hiremath, Anusuya Ghanti and Mallu Kumbar, councillors, and Janata Dal (Secular) leader Chandrakant Hiremath were present.

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