Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Nov 13: As Dakshina Kannada came to a halt in the wake of the call for the bandh by VHP and Bajrang Dal, district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai on Friday November 13 urged the people of the district not to pay any attention to rumours and to maintain peace and harmony. He also announced that the state government would give Rs 5 lac to the family of Harish, who was stabbed to death near BC Road on Thursday November 12. The bandh had been called to protest the murder of Harish and the recent violence in Madikeri on Tipu Jayanti.
(Pic by Kishore Peraje)
Addressing a press meet at the Circuit House here, Rai said, "A group of miscreants stabbed an innocent youth to death near BC Road on Thursday night. Harish (28), a resident of Navoor and his friend Samiualla had been to a shop near BC Road to have tender coconut. A gang that arrived in an Omni stabbed Harish to death. Samiulla, who reportedly tried to rescue his friend, also sustained two stab injuries and is recovering in a hospital.
"This is very sad incident and as district in-charge minister, I condemn this act by the communal forces. Harish was not associated with any outfit. I urge the people of this district not to give heed to rumours and maintain peace and harmony in the district," he appealed.
"I visited Harish's home and expressed condolences to his family. His father is suffering from cancer and Harish was the only breadwinner of his family. The state government has already announced 5 lac compensation to his family. Funds will also be raised by the district Congress unit to help Harish's family," he said.
"On Thursday evening, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) activists held a meeting in front of the Bantwal taluk office to register their protest against the recent turn of events at Madikeri in the last few days. While submitting a memorandum to an official concerned, it is alleged that a few people shouted slogans, which resulted in stone pelting by the Bajrang Dal activists. Both (SDPI and Bajrang Dal) are communal organisations. All my life I have been fighting against these communal forces, they should not be entertained. I am opposed to all communal outfits, whether from the majority community or from the minority," he said, adding, "The same evening, Harish and Samiulla were stabbed. A police team has been formed to trace the culprits and strict action will be taken against those involved in this," Rai said.
Asked whether the state government was not responsible for announcing the celebration of Tipu Jayanti despite strong opposition, he said, "There can be opposition or supporrt but when books were released on Tipu, no one protested. Protesting this way and causing harm to life and property is not right."
He also announced that 'Makkala Habba' which was to be held on November 14 has been postponed in view of the prohibitory orders for three days in the district. Additional police force has been bought to the district and law and order situation is under control, he added.
Rai and other Congress leaders also visited Samiulla, who was also stabbed while trying to rescue his friend Harish, in the hospital.
MLC Ivan D'Souza, MUDA chairman Ibrahim Kodijal, Mithun Rai, Praveenchandra Alva and others were present.