Mangalore: Police stop MP Nalin Kumar Kateel from entering Ullal

Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 9: Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel was on Sunday February 9 stopped by the police from entering Ullal, which led to heated exchange of words between the MP and the police.

The town of Ullal which had witnessed clashes over the last few days returned to normalcy on Saturday February 8, however, Section 144 is still in place.

Being the MP, Nalin Kateel came to pay a visit to Ullal in the wake of the riots. He came directly to Ullal after attending the parliament session in New Delhi and was accompanied by MLC Monappa Bhandary.

However, when they reached Thokkottu overbridge, their car was stopped by the police. The DCP and ACP who were at the spot asked the MP not to enter Ullal, which angered the BJP leaders.

The police said that trouble would arise again in Ullal if Nalin Kateel pays a visit to the town. The BJP members who were offended argued with the police and tense atmophere prevailed for sometime.

Finally, the police asked Kateel to seek permission of the police commissioner. When the MP called the commissioner, he was told not to enter Ullal till the prohibitory orders were lifted. Thereafter, Nalin Kateel turned back and proceeded to Kolya.

MP's letter to the CM

Later in the day, Nalin Kumar Kateel released to the media the copy of a letter addressed to the chief minister demanding a slew of measures to be taken in Ullal.

The release stated:

"Normal life in Ullal has been thrown into disarray due to the tension prevailing there over the last three days. The victims of the clashes are living in a pitiable condition and are in a state of fear. The government should respond to their needs immediately and compensate suitably in order to instil confidence in them.

Demands on behalf of the victims of Ullal clashes:

- Compensation for those whose houses or vehicles were damaged in the stone pelting incidents.

- Release of funds for fishermen whose boats were damaged.

- Free treatment for those who were injured in the clashes and hospitalized.

- Compensation for outpatients who were injured in the clashes.

- Declaration of Ullal as a sensitive zone.

- Give more importance to safety of women and children and deploy round the clock police security in Ullal.

- Identify those with criminal backgrounds and initiate stringent action against them.

- Recreate an atmosphere in Ullal where people can go to any place with full freedom and without fear."