Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Oct 1: Retired inspector general of police (IGP) and member of the fact-finding committee appointed by the Citizens for Harmony organization said that his team will impartially investigate the unfortunate incidents that rocked the coastal districts, and a report thereof would be submitted to the government.
He was speaking to reporters, after receiving petitions from the members of the public and leaders of various organizations in the Circuit House here on Tuesday September 30.
Patil added that the report will also contain recommendations towards conserving religious harmony. "Although no time frame has been fixed for the committee to conclude its findings, we plan to submit the report within 10 days," he said.
Convener of Bangalore Initiative for Religous Dialogue Forum P N Banjamin and social worker from Bangalore Vijayalakshmi, who are the other members of the committee, were also present.
Spokesperson of the diocese here, Fr Onil D'Souza, demanded for finding out the printers and distributors of 'Satyadarshini,' the book that has given rise to lot of controversies and misunderstandings. He wanted steps to be taken against these culprits.
Vishwa Hindu Parishat leader M B Puranik said that the teams and political leaders who visited the district following the unsavoury incidents, issued provocatory statements and thus contributed towards worsening of the situation, giving rise to further untoward incidents.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president and representative of Dravidian Brahman Association S Pradip Kumar Kalkura said that the people have lost hope of getting any pro-active initiatives from the central and the state governments towards improving the situation. He also opined that the objectionable literature was the root cause for all the disturbances.
Councillor from Ullal Bhagawan Das and several others said that several investigating teams from the centre and the state, which visited the district after the disturbances, issued one-sided statements.
Several also expressed the view that the media has contributed to the worsening of the situation. Ullal Rani Abbakka Welfare Committee chief convener Chandrahas Ullal too contributed to this view.
Representatives of various churches, organizations and individuals submitted petitions to the investigating team.