Mangaluru, Mar 1: As the port city is gearing up for yet another massive Hindu Samajotsav at the Nehru Maidan on Sunday, the vigour has seen a rise with the ‘saffronization’ of streets amidst increased security arrangements across the coastal district.
According to organizers, over one lakh Hindus are expected to take part in the convention being held under the pretext of celebrating the golden jubilee of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and uniting Hindus to face “future challenges”.
Fear of violence
The recent incidents of communal clashes and attacks on places of worship belonging to minorities across Mangaluru taluk have been viewed by many as a prelude to the ‘Hindu Samajtosav’.
In the past, the participants of Samajotsavs in Mangaluru and other parts of Dakshina Kannada had resorted to violence while returning home after listening to provocative speeches.
However, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner S Murugan has assured to control the situation and said that the police were prepared to respond within 10 minutes of trouble, if any, reported in the city and district.
Provocation Assured!
In a peace meet organized by the district administration ahead of Samajotsav on Friday in the city, M.B. Puranik, South Region Unit president, VHP, had openly admitted that the speakers might not refrain from provocative speeches.
Senior police officers and elected representatives were present when Mr Puranik indirectly turned down the request of DK Pradesh Congress Committee in-charge president Ibrahim Kodichal to avoid hurting the sentiments of other communities.
“While speaking on issues pertaining to Hindus, some might be provocative, which is difficult to avoid,” Mr Puranik said in the presence of Dakshina Kannada district in charge minister B Ramanath Rai, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim and Mangaluru Police Commissioner S Murugan among others.
Posters and banners with provocative slogans have been put up by the organizers and their well-wishers in many parts of the city.
Bus owners’ contribution
Jagadeesh Shenava, DK district president, VHP, earlier said that private bus owners have agreed to spare 500 buses for free to bring people to the convention from various parts of the district.
Also Read: Aim of Samajotsav is to unite all Hindus, say organizers
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