BJP leaders in Ullal: Not come to play politics, but to gather facts, says DVS

Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 9: Former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Thursday February 13 along with other BJP leaders visited Ullal which had recently witnessed clashes and met victims of the incident.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Sadananda Gowda said, "We have come here not to gain any political mileage out of the communal clashes but to gather information so as to discuss issues related to Ullal in the budget session that will begin in the state Assembly on Friday February 14."

The delegation of BJP leaders visited Mogaveerapatna, which was affected by the clashes, and consoled the victims.

"It is wrong to gain political mileage out of communal clashes. In Ullal, a clash resulting out of enmity between individuals was given a communal colour. The culprits should be punished stringently, but sadly, in such cases, the actual culprits manage to escape while innocents get caught. Six high school students were arrested by the police. The police must see to it that their future is not ruined.

"Let those who have done wrong be strictly punished, but at the same time, it is necessary to show some concern towards juveniles. I am not saying that the police should protect the guilty, but only that innocents should not be punished," he said.

"The police should conduct an unbiased investigation without bowing to any pressure. By doing this tough work, the police can avoid all kinds of allegations. The innocents who left the town out of fear should be brought back and confidence should be instilled in them. We have here today with this aim of building confidence among the residents of Ullal," DVS added.

"As Ullal is a sensitive area, the district administration should keep a close watch on it round-the-clock. It is not enough to hold peace meetings only when clashes erupt. At least once a month the district police should convene a meeting of all religious heads and discuss important issues," he suggested.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLCs Monappa Bhandary, Capt Ganesh Karnik, former MLA Yogish Bhat, former minister Krishna J Palemar, former MLA Jayaram Shetty, panchayat member Satish Kumpala, Mogaveer Sangha president Sadananda Bangera, Babu Bangera and others were present.

The BJP leaders first visited Sri Vyaghra Chamundeshwari Temple at Ullal and then the houses of the victims.

The delegation visited only Mogaveerapatna and not Kodi, which had also witnessed the clashes and where there are as many victims as Mogaveerapatna. This has led created some dissatisfaction among the BJP members in Kodi area, sources said.