Two separate incidents on the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks has raised concerns over the growing threat of Islamists in Karnataka. A graffitti which read “Do not force us to invite Lashkar-e-Taiba and Taliban to deal with Sanghis and Manvedis. #LashkarZindabad”, painted on the walls of an apartment complex in Mangalore triggered stirred shock waves across India.
On the same day, ISIS-style graffitis in Arabic were found on the walls of Hampi, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the important places of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Kalinga Rights Forum, a New-Delhi based non-governmental organization which brought this to light has registered a complaint with the Director General of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Home Affairs, Minister of Culture, Bangalore City Police and the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
It has asked for the slapping of National Security Act (NSA) on the perpetrators. The Home Ministry has forwarded the complaint to Joint Secretary Padam Lochan Sahu, for immediate action. The Culture Ministry and the Chief Minister’s Office too has taken cognizance of the complaint. However, no replies have been received received from ASI.
Complaint with DG-ASI, @HMOIndia @MinOfCultureGoI @prahladspatel CP @BlrCityPolice @CMofKarnataka against Defacing of walls of HAMPI ,a UNESCO World Heritage site & one of important places of pilgrimage of Hindu religion, using ISIS Terror org Graffities by Radicals@VenkyBP1 pic.twitter.com/JsoenGJtfP
— Kalinga Rights Forum (@KalingaForum) November 26, 2020
Hampi is an important Hindu shrine with ancient temples built during the heyday of the Vijayanagara Empire. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is comes under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The ruined idols and sculptures in Hampi bear witness of the atrocities committed by the Islamic forces belonging to the Sultanate after the Battle of Tallikota.
This incident is being seen as an attempt to rub salt on the wounds of Hindus by radical Islamists by attacking a place of historical and cultural significance.
Earlier, in February 2019, miscreants had damaged the pillars of the temple ruins in Hampi. The accused were arrested on 8 February and were booked under Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The were made to restore them to their original state and also pay a fine of ₹70,000.
Last week, a Hoysala-era idol of Mahakali at the Doddagaddavalli Temple located in Hassan district was found damaged. This temple built in the 12th Century by Hoysala dynasty too comes under the control of an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).