Udupi: The Udupi district unit of Komu Sauharda Vedike staged a protest against continued violence in Gangolli demanding justice for the innocent, here in front of the SP Office here on January 22.
Udupi district unit of Komu Sauharda Vedike secretary Prof Phaniraj alleged that the present deteriorating situation in Gangolli has led to a unsafe environment, disturbing the peace in the region. He added that the Congress led State government is inactive and has utterly failed to ensure peace and safety to the minority community. He demanded that the government should immediately interfere and assure safety to the minorities in the region.
The fundamentalist organisations belonging to majority groups have created havoc in the area. He added, the offenders should be arrested and innocent should be spared. He accused that the district in charge minister and Byndoor MLA are not concerned about the ongoing violence in Gangolli. The district minister in-charge has failed to pay a courtesy visit. Besides, the Gangolli MLA has always proved to be a irresponsible representative of the people, even from November 27, 2014, when the initial clashes between two religious groups erupted in the region, he alleged.
Meanwhile the families belonging to the minority communities alleged police atrocities. A woman accused the police of supporting the members of the fundamentalist organisations, who are indulged in creating trouble. She said the girls who go to schools and colleges are stopped and harassed by the men belonging to the majority communities. She alleged that men are falsely charged and arrested. The police are harassing the innocent and are using foul language against women. She said the members of the majority group are intentionally damaging the religious institutions of minority communities.
SP Annamalai speaking to Mangalorean.com said that the situation is absolutely under control in Gangolli. As many as 31 persons are arrested on charges of arson, disturbing public peace and violation of Section 144. He added, the arrested are sent to Bellary jail. Section 144 is clamped until January 25. Stringent action would be taken against those trying to disturb harmony in the region indulging in communal clashes. The police have sufficient information regarding the offenders who set ablaze the shop Venkatesha Kripa Traders. The culprits will be arrested shortly, he assured.
Komu Sauhardah Vedike district president G Rajeshekar, Idrees Hoode, Prof Hayavadana Moodusagri, Hussain Kodibengre and others were present.