Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Jun 27: District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai defended his stand against the recent controversial remarks against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and said he was doing it to ensure that law and order and communal harmony prevailed in the district.
Rai was addressing media person here on Tuesday June 27.
“Being district in-charge minister, I had the responsibility to maintain law and order. Communal harmony should be maintained here. People should not listen to the rumours being spread and should know the truth behind this. I had called then superintendent of police Bhushan Gulabrao Borase to the Inspection Bungalow to discuss about clashes at Kalladka and there is nothing wrong in it. Only one part of video was circulated in social media and several organisations took this as a weapon to protest. But no one is aware about the reality," he added.
"I always stressed upon maintaining peace and harmony in the district. District has witnessed several cases of provocative speeches which have prompted communal clashes. I have never uttered a single provocative word and I have never hurt the sentiments of any religion," Rai said.
“The recent development in the district is not good with the occurrence of Kalladka communal clash and Ashraf murder at Benjanapadavu. The main conspirator behind Ashraf murder shared dias with Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat in a recent press conference called against me with regard to Kalladka clash,” Rai informed.
“Police have successfully nabbed the culprits behind the murder of Ashraf at Benjanapadavu. Only through this peace and harmony can be maintained. I had discussed the murder issue with chief minister, DGP, IG –Intelligence, concerned officials to make sure that conspirators behind the clashes were arrested,” he said.
“I have always taken the people of all religions into confidence. Bantwal constituency is ahead in terms of development. But some Sangh Parivar people are trying to disturb the peace in the society and create hatred among people. There are some persons who are known for provocative speeches and they think that it is an easy way to become leaders.” Rai concluded.