Temple invite row: Intolerance led to controversy, says AB Ibrahim

March 18, 2016

Mangaluru, Mar 18: Deputy Commissioner AB?Ibrahim, who is trying to douse the temple festival's invitation row fire, opined that that the controversy raised because of intolerance'.

Stating that there is nothing wrong in printing a Muslim officer's name in the invitation card of a Muzrai temple's car festival, he said that as per the Hindu Endowment Act, non-Hindus should not take part in religious rituals. “But there is no specific rule regarding invitations. This has been conveyed to Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty and she too has been convinced,” he told media persons.

"We have been so intolerant that a non-issue is being blown out of proportion. I was special officer for the Dasara festival when I was in Mysuru and I was part of festivals in many Hindu temples as a government representative. No one asked me before printing my name on invitations. It is just much ado about nothing," Ibrahim said.

Recalling the communal harmony in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, he said there was harmony between Hindus and Muslims, be it the adoration of Bappa Beary in Mulki temple or Ali Chamundi Kshetra in Kumble. He criticised those who are trying to disturb the harmony.

Ibrahim clarified that his name was printed because he is the deputy commissioner and also that his permission had not been taken before printing the same.

“Although I am pained and saddened over the developments regarding the issue, it is my duty to take everybody along,” he said and requested the members of the public to maintain peace and harmony in the district.

Also Read : Muslim DC's name row: Rai slams Puttur MLA for succumbing to VHP pressure

Govt defends AB Ibrahim; Shakuntala puts ball back in temple admin's court

Comments

AB IBRAHIM SIR PLEASE DONT TALK ABOUT INTOLERANCE IN INDIA BEC RSSS WIL SAY GO TO PAKISTAN...

RSS THOUGHT THEY ARE THE ONE WHO FOUGHT AGAINST THE BRITISH AND TOOK INDEPENDENCE IN 1947 AUGUST 15 ... THEIR BEHAVIOR ,,

WHEN TIPPU SULTHAN FOUGHT AGAINST THE BRITISH THIS PEOPLE ARE THE ONE HELPED BRITISH TO KILL HIM...

NOW THEY BEHAVE LIKE DESH BAKH..

ibrahim sir you should give the statement which is effect only on the accused of doing this, what is the meaning by intolerance its notify all the society.

Yes, I agree that Sanghis are intolerant. But why this well educated DC is fighting with those mentals? Why cant he just remove his name to douse the flame?

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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