Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal (SP)

Bhatkal, Dec 28: "Minorities in the state never need to live in an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. Our government is committed to provide legal and other kinds of support needed for them to lead a carefree and contented life here," said Karnataka chief minister (CM), Siddaramaiah.

He was speaking after taking part in the third day's programme being organized by the taluk Majis-e-Ilsah Wa Tanzeem as part of its centenary celebrations on Saturday December 27.

"We have issued clear instructions to police force to be always alert to ruthlessly crush communal disturbances as soon as signs of such problems surface. We know that undesirable elements have been trying to sow seeds of hatred in the society with the sole objective of reaping political benefit. Religious bigotry thrives in all the religions. Religious conservatism does not help anyone. Terrorism does not help solving problems. Our aim should be to build a country which solely runs on secular principles. We are Indians, and we should adopt the principles preached in our constitution. Indians should accept guidelines and advice left behind by Gandhiji, Ambedkar and Maulana Azad as leading principles of life," he added.

Speaking about the organization, Tanzeem, which has been in existence since over a hundred years, the CM said he has been rendering yeoman services and extending a helping hand through relief works when people suffer from natural calamities. He wished that the organization will continue to serve the society through its noble initiatives as before.

On the occasion, the CM promised to set up industrial zone for Bhatkal. Responding to the request put forth by Tanzeem president, Mujamil Khajia, he said industrial zone will result in economic empowerment of the region. The CM, who raised the issue of the underground drainage system in the town that has polluted a number of wells, promised on behalf of the government to provide a lasting solution to this problem. He said title deeds will shortly be issued to encroachers of government land, and asked the people not to nurture any doubt about this issue.

Vice president of the state planning commission, C M Ibrahim, addressing the gathering, asked the people to stay away from getting swayed by emotions, and rather do everything with a sense of total awareness. 'Islam has always preached its followers to behave respectfully with non-Muslims. Islam has always held principles of nobility and humane living high. It is a perturbing matter that of late allegations of treachery are being heard against Muslim brethren,' he added.

Information minister, Roshan Baig, urged family elders to be careful as the youth have been seen to be straying away from the path of principled living because of influence of cell phones, Whatsapp etc.

MLA Mankalu Vaidya, Coastal Development Authority chairman Nivedit Alva, Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation chairman Shambhu Gowda, Tanzeel Centenary Celebrations Committee president Khaleel-ul-Rehman, vice-president Inayathulla Shabandari and others were seated on the dais.

Tanzeem president K L Mujamil, who also happens to be the chairman of Karnataka State Spices Board, welcomed the participants and placed before the CM various problems being faced by Bhatkal. Abdurrakib M J placed report of the organization before the general public. Tanzeem secretary, Altaf Kharoor, proposed vote of thanks. Veteran journalist, Aftab Kola, presented the programme.

People came for the programme in droves from different parts of the taluk to see the CM and hear his address. Police parade ground, where the function was held, was overcrowded by people.

District deputy commissioner, Ujwal Ghosh, zilla panchayath chief executive officer, V R P Monohar, western range inspector general of police, Amrit Pal, and district superintendent of police, R Dileep, camped in Bhatkal to oversee security arrangements and guide junior officials about security aspects and other things to be done.

Representatives of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, alleging that atrocities are being committed in the district against the dalits, and facilities for which they are eligible are being siphoned off by others. Samiti leaders, Tulasidas Pavaskar, Kiran Shirur and others, who surrounded the CM, urged him to ensure that justice is done to the dalits.