Bantwal, Sep 16 (IANS): Tension prevailed in the communally-sensitive coastal district of Dakshina Kannada on Monday as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal called for Hindus to hold a procession on BC Road in Bantwal taluk, near Mangaluru city, on the occasion of Eid Milad.

Police forces rushed to the spot, and a tense situation prevailed in the area.

Hindu activists stated that the procession call was in response to provocative statements made by a Muslim leader, who allegedly challenged Hindu leaders to come to BC Road during the Eid Milad celebrations.

Angered by this, the VHP and Bajrang Dal urged Hindus to gather on BC Road.

The tensions were sparked by comments from Mohammad Shareef, former president of Bantwal Municipality Corporation, who had challenged VHP Dakshina Kannada Divisional Joint Secretary Sharan Pumpwell to come to BC Road during Eid Milad.

This was in reaction to Pumpwell’s speech about the recent violence during the Ganesh Visarjan in Nagamangala town, Mandya district.

Sharan Pumpwell had stated that if Hindus decide they won’t allow the procession on the BC Road.

Although the police have brought the situation under control, the atmosphere in the region remains tense.