Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Jan 27: Relating to the group clashes which erupted at Halavalli in Kodi near here on January 25, a peace meet was held by the police department under the leadership of local deputy superintendent of police (DySP), Manjunath Shetty, at the taluk panchayat auditorium here on Monday January 26.
Shetty, addressing those present at the meet, said that culprits can be brought to book only with the unstinted cooperation of the people. He called upon people from both the communities to come forward with details they may be having like names of participants in disturbances, and those who spread malice and rumours,besides inciting violence. He requested people not to lend an ear to rumours, and assured the people that enough security measures have been taken in the area, and that if necessary, additional reinforcements will be provided.
The DySP said that an exclusive helpline will be set up for the use of citizens from Kodi. "Check posts will be set up. Closed circuit televisiona cameras will be installed at strategic points. Nodal officer will be appointed. Those who are found loitering in the village and sitting idly by the side of the roads will be acted against," he stressed.
He noted that no one wants disturbances and disruptions in their lives, adding that disturbances cause loss for all the communities alike. He asked people having any information about the culprits involved to pass on this detail to the police so that the policemen in plainclothes can be deputed to find out the truth. He also requested leaders of the respective communities to educate the youngsters to take the right path of non-violence and truth.
Women heavily outnumbered men at the peace meet. Speaking on the occasion, some of them expressed the opinion that trouble mongers came from outside and escaped after igniting trouble. They said repeated incidents of communal violence have disturbed peace in the region, and expressed the opinion that none of the real culprits have been caught till now. They also added that incidents of eve-teasing and filming movements of girls on cell phones are continuing in the region. They demanded strict action against miscreants.
Muslim leaders said people from different communities had been leading a life of harmonious coexistence since several years, and recent attempts have dented mental peace. They too urged the police to catch hold of the guilty and award them maximum punishment.
Responding to suggestions which came up at the meeting, the DySP said action will be taken to see that crowds are not formed without reason frequently at Kinara Beach in Kodi, youngsters indulging in mischief will be brought to book, and measures will be taken to ensure safety of women in buses. He also said a meeting of Muslim community will be organized separately within a few days.
Police circle inspector, Divakar P M, police sub-inspector, Nassir Hussain, taluk panchayat president, Bhaskar Billava, zilla panchayat member, Ganapati T Shriyan, taluk panchayat member, Manju Billava, and others were present.