Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)

Mangalore, Sep 22: The members of Muslim Central Committee (MCC) on Monday September 22 condemned incidents of moral policing in recent days in the district and urged the public to maintain calm as both Hindu and Muslim communities are gearing up to celebrate Dasara and Bakrid.

Addressing a press meet at Hotel Woodlands here, president of the Committee K S Mohammad Masood said the Committee condemns any act that sparks communal tension in the district, irrespective of religion. "We condemn the recent attack on six Muslim boys by Bajrang Dal on September 18," he added.

He said that of late, there had been incidents of moral policing by a few 'hate mongers' belonging to Bajrang Dal and this has to stop. "The Muslim Central Committee since 1968 has been toiling hard to bring about communal harmony in this place. However, a few outfits are trying to disrupt the peace," he alleged.

He further said some people in the name of cattle trafficking were blatantly taking law into their hands, and lamented that the police machinery had not been rejuvenated even after Congress party came to power in the state. He appealed that the Muslim community be allowed to practice sacrifice on Bakrid without any trouble as some raise objection to animal sacrifice, a traditional practice in Islam.

When asked whether communal tensions had de-escalated after Congress came to power, he said it had considerably decreased by up to 50 percent. He urged the police through the media to maintain law and order and thwart any efforts to disrupt harmony during Bakrid and Dasara festivals.

The Committtee also flayed the action against passenger Abdul Khader who was interrogated at Mangalore airport for carrying 'suspicious' items and was later proved innocent.

Masood lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in the interview to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. Modi said the 'Indian Muslims will live for India and die for India' in his first interview to an international channel after he was elected to power.

Former mayor Ashraf, Congress district interim president Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.