Update: Monday, Jan 1, 2007 - 8-00 am

Bantwal Peaceful - Public Displays Restraint

from our special correspondent
reporting from Jodumarga (Bantwal Cross Road)

Bantwal, Jan 1: Quick control by the police led by DK superintendent of police B Dayananda and PUttur ASP Dr Harsha brought about calm here in B C Road on Sunday.

The police had not anticipated any trouble since massive security force had been deployed. Around 3-30 pm, a stone-pelting incident created some tension, which could have resulted in a major flare up, but for the timely arrival of the SP at the scene.

Eight persons including Prashant Shetty of Valachil, Jnanesh, Sunil and Navin of Tumbe, Narayana Kodman and Jayaprakash Bantwal were injured and have been admitted to hospitals in Mangalore, Deralakatte and Bantwal.

Traffic between Mangalore and Puttur and other places were diverted through alternative routes. Abdul Latif, a local correspondent of a newspaper, who had come to the venue of the Hindu Samajotsava was assaulted.

The restraint displayed by the public is being appreciated by all peace-loving people in the region.

Jeep attacked and valuables looted

A family travelling from Bajpe to Kadaba in a jeep was assaulted by a group of youth at BC Road on Sunday evening. They have alleged that Rs 7,000 in cash, 70 sovereign gold jewellery, and mobile phone were looted by the group connected with the Samajotsava. One of the persons in the group has been identified by the family as a high school student from Mani.

The injured family members are Chand Bi Iqbal, Babula, Tasneem and Shafida, of Kepu-Kutruppadi near Kadaba.

Stranded woman and children helped

During the tense situation at BC Road, a Muslim woman accompanied by four children was stranded in a helpless situation. Some Hindu Samajotsava volunteers escorted them in a rickshaw to their residence.

Earlier report :

Bantwal Tense - Stone-pelting triggers trouble

Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (VM), pics by Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Dec 31: Minor instances of violence which were reported on Sunday evening led to slight commotion in region around Virat Hindu Samajotsava in B C Road.

Vehicular traffic on the national highway between Mangalore and BC Road and ahead was blocked by the police.

According to sources miscreants pelt stones at a few vehicles carrying people to B C Road for the Hindu Samajotsava. This led to tension in the region. However rumours played a prominent role in adding fuel to the fire.

Reports have come in of stone pelting near Kaikamba- Polali. Four persons have been taken into custody by the police, sources said.

Latest reports have stated that several vehicles returning from the Samajotsava were damaged when miscreants stone later during the evening. Tension still prevails in Bantwal.

It was estimated that over 60,000 people would be participate in the Samajotsava and thus adequate police personnel were deployed in the region in Madhava Nagara.

The blocking of highway put people into trouble as they were stranded.

Further reports are awaited.