Mangalore, Sep 30: Ahead of various religious festivals including Bakrid, Ayudha Pooja and Deepavali, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai appealed to community leaders and representatives of social organisations to maintain peace and harmony in the district and directed the police authorities to act stringently against trouble-mongers who tried to stir up trouble during festivities.
Presiding over a peace meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office here on Tuesday, he said that the police should take action against miscreants irrespective of their caste, religion and political affiliation.
œCommunal discord begins when we start celebrating festivals deviating from the traditions and customs. Each member of one community should have the awareness that our celebrations should not hurt the religious sentiments of other communities, he said.
Strongly condemning those who tried to take the law into their own hands, Mr Rai said that action should also be taken against those hindering the police from nabbing the accused in communal clashes.
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that the people should dispel the negative image of the district and try to bring good reputation to the district by ensuring peace in the society by avoiding disruption. Violence, not only communal, but also group clashes, should be checked to ensure a better atmosphere. Anti-social elements should be nipped in the bud in the best interests of the district, he said.
Mangalore City Police Commissioner R Hithendra said that the negative image of the district due to communal clashed would hamper the economic activities in the city. He said that co-operation from people was necessary to maintain the communal accord and harmony in the society.
Superintendent of Police S D Sharanappa also spoke on the occasion, stating that the police were ready to take action against those who tried to take the law into their hands.
Prior to the peace meeting, the district in-charge minister reviewed the security arrangements in a review meeting with top police officials.
Mangalore North MLA B A Moidin Bava, MLC Ivan D'Souza, DK zilla panchayat CEO Tulasi Maddineni, religious leaders and representatives of various organisations and institutions participated in the meeting.
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