Kasargod: Protest over Facebook comment - Sec 144 imposed, one arrested

Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Updated

Kasargod, Jul 21: Following the massive protest against a comment on Facebook reportedly insulting Prophet Mohammed, and the subsequent outbreak of minor clashes, the police have imposes section 144 in Kasargod and Hosadurg taluks for a week.

Also, two-wheelers have been prohibited on roads between 6 pm and 6 am for the next one week.

On Sunday July 21, incidents of stone pelting were reported at various places. The Muhimmat Community Hall was damaged and stones were also pelted at buses. The Kasargod-Mayippady-Seetangoli bus stopped plying.

A temple at Kumble was also stoned, reports stated. On July 20 night, stones were pelted at three shops in Kasargod.

The police have arrested Arun Kumar (27) for allegedly posting the derogatory comment on Facebook.

Also, as the protest on July 20 was held against police orders, cases have been booked against everyone who defied the orders.

Earlier Report

Kasargod: Facebook comment on Prophet stirs protest at Kumble

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Jul 21: Hundreds of people gathered on the streets of Kumble here on Saturday July 20 to protest against a comment allegedly insulting Prophet Mohammed on social networking site Facebook.

The protest was led by Kumble Muslim United forum.

The protestors marched on streets and staged a protest in front of Kumble police station demanding immediate arrest of some youths from Kumble Mayippady and Naikapu.

The protestors said that a group in Facebook has been posting derogatory comments against Prophet Mohammed since Friday July 20. Several Muslim leaders of Kumble then approached the police seeking to lodge a complaint. The police were reportedly reluctant to file a case.

The leaders warned that if the police do not file a case, a massive protest would be organized. The police then registered the complaint and filed a case, and did not give permission for protest.

Despite police orders, Mulism United forum organized the protest in front of the police station.

The police managed to keep the crowd about 100 metres away from police station and also resorted to lathi charge and tear gas. There were also reports that a few youths pelted stones at a private bus.

It is learnt that the police, with the help of cyber crime cell have begun investigation into the case and two persons have already been arrested from Kannur.

Speaking to reporters, district police chief Thomson Jose that attempts to disturb peace in the district by posting provocative pictures or comments on social networking sites have been going on lately. Strict action will be taken against all those who indulge in such things, he warned.