Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Updated
Mangaluru, Dec 8: The protest by VHP, Bajrang Dal and other pro-Hindu organizations ended amid stone-pelting and with police refusing to allow the protestors into Ulaibettu where Section 144 has been imposed.
It is also learnt that four policemen were injured while they tried to control the mob.
Speaking to media persons, police commissioner R Hitendra said that the police plan to impose Section 144 and stop the protestors from entering Ulaibettu was successful as it helped in preventing the situation from worsening.
The police have arrested two buses full of protestors, but the exact number of arrests will be ascertained later, said the polic commissioner. He also added that that they would be booked under relevant sections.
He further said that as of now, the protest has ended and the situation is under control. He also said that there was no connection between the stabbing incidents on Sunday December 7 and this issue.
Earlier, the protestors tried to gatecrash into Ulaibettu where Section 144 has been imposed, but were stopped by the police.
When the protestors refused to back down, the police resorted to lathi charge.
The angry protestors demanded that they be allowed to enter Ulaibettu, even as leader Jagadish Shenava tried to calm them down in vain.
The situation threatened to go out of hand when stones were pelted, but it is not clear if it was done by protestors or other locals against the protest.
The police then ushered some of the protestors including Satyajit Suratkal intobuses. Shenava too urged the protestors to get into the buses to avoid being hit by stones.
Satyajit claimed that they had planned a peaceful protest, but some miscreants had resorted to stone-pelting from a hillock and created trouble.
Sources said that a woman was injured in the stone pelting and taken to hospital.
Buses were also damaged in the incident.
As the protest seemed to be getting out of hand, Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell asked everyone to disperse and return to their homes.
The protest then came to an end and the crowd began to disperse.
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: Hundreds gather as VHP rally begins under tight security
Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Updated
Mangaluru, Dec 8: Hundreds of activists of VHP, Bajrang Dal and other pro-Hindu organizations gathered at Vamanjoor here on Monday December 8 and took out a rally to protest against the attack on Datta Peetha pilgrims on the night of December 5.
The rally began from Vamanjoor. Simultaneously, activists from Gurpur and other areas too will join the rally and a protest will be held at Parari junction.
Among those taking part in the protest are Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Gurpur Vajradehi Math, VHP leaders Jagadish Shenava, Satyajit Suratkal, Rama Sene chief Prasad Attavar and others.
Addressing the protestors, Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji said, "I being a Swami join in this protest and extend my support. Today the police have imposed Section 144, but where were they when Hindus were attacked? The culprits should be arrested by today."
The protest is being held under tight security.
Earlier Report
VHP bandh - Parts of Mangaluru shut down, buses damaged
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 8: Gurpur, Ulaibettu and surrounding areas have completely shut down on Monday December 8 in response to the call for bandh given by VHP and Bajrang Dal to protest against the attack on Datta Peetha pilgrims on the night of December 5.
The police have imposed Section 144 from 6 am to 6 pm, and tight security has been deployed in the sensitive areas.
Despite the security, miscreants pelted stones and damaged at least three vehicles, including two buses.
A Rajahamsa bus was stoned at Yedapadavu and at Bajpe, Fathima bus was damaged.
A government truck from Bengaluru was also damaged. Its driver, identified as Joy, said that he had parked the truck when some people came and pelted stones. He too sustained minor injuries.
Sources said that miscreants attempted to set fire to a bakery, but in vain.
Tyres were burnt in various places like Kaikamba and others.
Shops have shut down and most people preferred to stay indoors. Some of the private buses have supported the bandh by staying off the roads.
Police in Vamanjoor said that the situation is under control.