Tipu Jayanthi: Why the Catholics are opposing it

Bengaluru, Nov 10: It is not just the RSS and the BJP which will be protesting against the celebrations of Tipu Sultan's birthday in Karnataka.

A section of the Catholics too have joined in.

It started with a protest by the United Christian Association on Nov 6. Members of the UCA protested outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore against celebrating Tipu Sultan's birthday.

The UCA says that it has a valid reason to protest against the birthday celebrations of Tipu Sultan.

In the year 1784 it was Tipu who had destroyed the Milagres Church in Mangalore. The Church, which was built in the year 1680, is a landmark in Mangalore.

The UCA also says that Tipu had imprisoned over 50,000 Catholics on the suspicion that they were spies of the British.

Many contend that there is widespread hatred for Tipu Sultan across the state which includes a large number of Catholics as well.

Several Catholics have also raised the point that Tipu was responsible for the death of nearly 4,000 Catholics.

Tipu had captured the Catholics and made them walk to Mysore from Mangalore which resulted in the death of many.

The Catholics till date observe one day of mourning for those who died as a result of Tipu Sultan's actions.

The Karnataka government will observe Tipu Sultan's birthday today and on the agenda are a host of programmes.

The BJP has been opposing the celebrations and has maintained that Tipu was a tyrant who indulged in killings and conversions.

The President of the Karnataka BJP, Prahlad Joshi says that the party will officially boycott all functions organized by the government.

OneIndia News