Stephen Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Nov 9: Violence flared up during the victory procession of BJP at Uppala in the district on Sunday November 8. Police personnel had to burst tear gas shells to quell violence. In the incidents of fight and stone pelting, six persons including two policemen were injured.

In this connection, Traders Association of Uppala has given call for bandh on Monday November 9, in protest against the stone pelting on their shops and the resultant damage. The police have beefed up security in and around the town.

BJP, which came out victorious in the election for the local bodies at Uppala, had organized victory procession. During the procession, friction broke out. When the procession reached Uppala town, stones were pelted, giving rise to altercations. The policemen used their batons to control the violence. When the situation threatened to go out of control, they also burst eight rounds of teargas shells.

A gang threw stones at some shops and vehicles. Three vehicles were damaged in this incident. Policemen who rushed to the support of local police from Manjeshwar and Kumble succeeded in bringing the situation under control. A police team led by Kumble police circle inspector, Suresh Babu, has camped at Uppala and is keeping a close vigil on the situation.

The injured include Raveendran (32), and Omana Kuttan (42), constables of Manjeshwar police station, Muslim Youth League activists, Muhammed Shariff (30), Abdul Rahiman (23), and Yuva Morcha activst, Uday (30) from Heroor. All of them stand admitted into a hospital.

The policehave been patrolling the areas with the aim of ensuring that disturbances do not happen again. Para military forces have been deployed for the purpose. District superintendent of police, Dr A Srinivas, visited Uppala and reviewed the situation. Police sources said that they are keeping a close watch on the situation, and they will consider enforcing prohibitory orders, depending upon the demands of the situation.