Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Dec 12: Karnataka Minorities Commission chairperson Balkhees Banu on Friday December 12 said that she met around 50 leaders from the city to discuss the recent clashes at Ulaibettu and called for peace and harmony among communities.
Addressing reporters at Circuit House here, Banu said, "I met the DC, the police officials and various institutions here and discussed the problems faced by Dakshina Kannada district. I also met 50 leaders to discuss the Ulaibettu incident.
"Several innocents are also said to have been booked in connection to the clashes. The police should examine the case thoroughly and if they are really found to be innocent, the police should release them. I have also asked the DC to submit a report on the incident," she said.
"The Ulaibettu clashes happened because of an issue related to a road. We need to uphold peace. No religion teaches hatred. We must live with harmony. Political parties are thereonly during elections, but we have to think of progress at all times. Love one another. A prosperous society can survive only through harmony," she appealed.
"In such conflicts, only the poor will suffer and not the rich. Those who give provocative speeches should be taught a good lesson by the people," she added.
"There are deep-rooted problems in Dakshina Kannada district, which have been there from three decades. We cannot change everything all at once, but there can be change over time," Banu said.
When asked to comment on the peace meet which was boycotted by Muslim leaders, she said, "A few organizations had not received invitation, so they did not attend."
She also said that the Minorities Commission plans to hold workshop in every district to promote harmony, and if there are taluks with dense population, even those would be considered for holding the workshops.
She further informed that on Saturday December 13, foundation would be laid for Maulana Azad Bhavan in Attavar. This will house four offices, including those of the Minorities Commission and Wakf.
Banu said that she had also visited Gangolli in Kundapur to examine the situation related to the Jamiya complex fire and handed over Rs 25,000 to the victims. Apart from urging them to live in harmony, she said the memorandum submitted by the Gangolli residents would be passed on to the chief minister.
Regarding the encroachment of Wakf land, she said as per the Supreme Court orders, the land would be surveyed and given back to the Wakf, as in Gauribidanur where, she said, already 11.26 acres of encroached land had been freed and taken back by the Wakf to use for various purposes.
Outiling the general roles and responsibilities of the Karnataka Minorities Commission, Banu said, "The Commission works for the welfare and development of minortiy classes. Under the leadership of CM, various schemes have been introduced for education and financial uplift of the minorities."
"It is the duty of the Commission to ensure the implementation of Pradhan Mantri 15-Point Programme for the welfare of minorities. It is being done under the supervision of the DC in each district and four members."
She also urged the public to cooperate with the upcoming census. "The census will start in December third week, and volunteers will go to each house with 58 column questionnaires. People should give accurate details when they are asked. Announcement to this effect should be made in places of worship also.