Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Oct 14: Clashes between two rival groups erupted again at Kanhangad and nearby regions on the night of Wednesday October 12. The policemen rushed to the spot after gathering information about the clashes, and resorted to bursting tear gas shells and firing rubber bullets at the trouble mongers, in an effort to disperse them. Kanhangad deputy superintendent of police (DySP), P Madhusoodanan, was injured in stone pelting. He was hospitalized.

When a contingent of policemen visited Kolavayal area to arrest the culprits on Thursday morning, a large group of local people including women surrounded them and stopped them from arresting people. A number of accused jumped into sea and river, by taking advantage of the situation. When some locals were taken into custody, the locals insisted that they were innocents. They told the policemen that they will not allow arrest of innocent people. Later, a peace meeting was held at Kanhangad Guest House, but Muslim League chose to boycott the meeting.

The police personnel initially used tear gas shells to quell the clashes. As it failed to have the necessary impact, they fired rubber bullets at the crowd. The policemen have beefed up security and vigilance across the limits of three police stations within Hosdurg taluk of the district.

The peace meeting held on Thursday afternoon was presided over by district collector, K N Satish. It may be recalled that at the peace meeting held on October 11, a call was given to maintain peace in the region, but violence broke out within some time thereafter.