Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Will not tolerate provocative speech at VHP Samajotsava: Rai
Mangaluru, Feb 18: District incharge minister Ramanath Rai along with police commissioner S Murugan on Wednesday February 18 elaborated on the security arrangements for the upcoming VHP Hindu Samajotsava and warned that anyone disrupting peace will be dealt with strict action.
The Virat Hindu Samajotsava will be held at Nehru Maidan on March 1 as part of VHP's golden jubilee celebrations.
Addressing a press meet at the police commissioner's office here, Rai said, "We all know what happened after the last Samajotsava at Puttur. We do not want repeat that. Police have taken all necessary measures in order to prevent untoward incidents during and after the Samajotsava this time.
"We have already discussed various issues in connection with the security measures. Police deployment will be increased during the Samajotsava and CCTV cameras will be installed. There will be strict vigilance everywhere especially in sensitive areas, where patrolling will be stepped up," he said.
"No provocative posters will be allowed and no provocative speech during the Samajotsava will be tolerated. The deadline for the conclusion of the event has been set at 5 pm. This is because in the past when certain events ran late into the evenings and resulted in untoward incidents, nobody took responsibility and it was difficult to identify the culprits in the dark. This deadline has been set on a trial basis, and if it works out, in the future too the same will be implemented for other conventions," Rai said.
"All measures will be taken to ensure peaceful atmosphere and a peaceful Samajotsava. It is the responsibility of the citizens to uphold the integrity of the district. Dakshina Kannada is a multi-cultural place and the most literate district. Let us not give out a bad image to the people. Everytime we highlight the bad things, let us now focus on the good," he urged.
"As district incharge minister, I have directed the police to take strict action against those who disrupt peace and involve in untoward incidents. We have given guidelines to the organizers and have obtained the list of speakers for the convention. Also, peace meetings with leaders of different communities will be convened on February 27 and 28," he added.
To a query on the days when the additional police forces would be deployed, police commissioner S Murugan said it would be done a day prior to the event and on the day of the event. "Additional personnel will be deployed at all important points," he added.
"We have called a meeting of the organizers and told them that the entire responsibility will be on them if any untoward incidents take place. We have also directed all the speakers at the convention not to be provocative. In case of any violation, strict action will be taken as per law" Murugan said.
When a reporter asked how many CCTVs would be installed, the police commissioner declined to give numbers, and said, "We cannot reveal everything. If we give all details, there will be no fear of the police. Let people think there are CCTVs everywhere. We will install adequate number of cameras."
On whether those who already face charges of making inflammatory speeches in the past would be speaking at the convention, IGP (western range) Amrit Paul said, "No person involved in communal clashes or known for giving provocative speeches would be allowed to address the convention. In case there is violation of this order, stringent action would be taken."
When a reporter pointed out that clashes are already taking place in some areas ahead of the Samajotsava, Murugan said, "Clashes may happen before and after the Samajotsava, as this is a very sensitive place. We will deal with every case on its merit."
Rai added, "The entire focus is on having a peaceful Samajotsava. We will not allow this Samajotsava to become a repeat of the past (Karaya clashes following the Samajotsava in Puttur)."
Murugan made a special request to the mediapersons to highlight the following message to the citizens: "All citizens are requested to maintain peace and harmony in the district, and also during the Samajotsava and cooperate with the police."
DC A B Ibrahim and SP Sharanappa were present.