Mangalore: Ullal peaceful, Rai warns of strict action against troublemakers
Pics: Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Feb 9: "The situation in Ullal has completely returned to normalcy. Police have taken suitable action as per law. Police have been ordered to initiate stringent action against any person who tries to disturb harmony in any part of the city or district, no matter how influential the person may be," said district incharge minister Ramanath Rai.
Addressing a press meet at the circuit house here on Saturday February 8, Rai appreciated those who had helped in restoring peace and harmony in Ullal.
"We congratulate the citizens who helped to restore peace in Ullal. Section 144 is still in force and decision to lift the prohibitory orders will be taken after evaluating the situation," he said.
"As tension prevailed in Ullal, additional police forces and Rapid Action Force were deployed to prevent untoward incidents from taking place. Public should not give any importance to rumour mongers. A peace committee of religious leaders was also convened for the purpose of restoring communal harmony. As many as 76 people were arrested, including 6 juveniles," Raid added.
Health minister and Ullal MLA U T Khadar said, "This incident took place because of a few anti-social elements. There are miscreants in both communities. People who want peace and harmony in the district should never give them even the slightest opportunity to create trouble."
He further added, "The police have already been asked to deal with such miscreants with an iron hand. Although there is criticism, truth always wins. Moreover, being in the position we are, we want peace to prevail in this district."
City police commissioner R Hitendra said that to control the situation and prevent mushrooming of communal violence, preventive measures were taken by issuing warrants against 400 persons under sections 110 and 107 of the IPC. Out of the 400, the police arrested 40 as part of a special drive, he said.
DC A B Ibrahim and SP Shantanu Sinha were present.
Meanwhile, Ullal remained peaceful on Saturday, but prohibitory orders are expected to continue till Sunday February 9 night. Educational institutions remained closed and traffic was sparse.
As a few Ullal-Mangalore buses resumed service, many people returned to work. Security continued to be tight and towards evening, the police personnel on duty asked people to go indoors so as to prevent untoward incidents. Shops remained closed throughout the day, and a few which opened were told by the police to down their shutters by evening. Though Ullal was largely peaceful, a few sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported.