Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Nov 25: "When we arrest miscreants, it is claimed by some that innocents have been arrested. When we make arrestes, we do everything with a scientific and professional approach. In this last one year, not even a single innocent has been arrested, and though there might have been delays in some cases, we did not arrest anyone on mere assumption. So when if you say innocents have been arrested, it is as if you are supporting the accused," said superintendent of police Dr S D Sharanappa.

He was addressing a peace meet at the deputy commissioner's office here on Wednesday November 25, held in the wake of the recent incidents of violence at Bantwal and other parts of the district.

"Officials in the police department record everything on video and even in mobile phones and we make lists of all offences, so people should give up notions that innocents are arrested. Those who take law into their hands cannot escape from the law. If people have any proof or information, they should come and share it with us. It is the responsibility of everyone and the police department needs cooperation from the public," Dr Sharanappa said.

To suggestions from the people present at the meeting that the police should go around in muftis (civil dress) and keep a keen watch, he said, "We are already going around in muftis and keeping a watch. Everything cannot be revealed to the public. Police are monitoring and studying everything that is happening in the district. Workshops have been held on drug mafia and other issues and we have stepped up measures to curb drug abuse, eve-teasing, gambling and so one. We are monitoring such activities strictly."

Earlier, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim in his introductory note said, "There have been repeated incidents of communal violence in the district, not only in the recent past but from many years. Why is this happening and why cannot we stop them? Do we want Mangaluru to turn into another Ghaziabad or Gorakhpur? We are making our youngsters go to court, become unemployed and face problems even to obtain passports. The incident (on Tipu Jayanti) took place in Kodagu but tension erupted in Dakshina Kannada resulting in death and injuries. Can't we take steps to stop this? 

"Youths are filling up jails and going to court. They are without employment. The elders of the society should think on how to resolve this issue. That is why this peace meet has been called and I invite people who have gathered here to come up with suggestions," he added.

Hameed Kandak, vice-president of Muslim Central Committee said, "We congratulate the administration on taking necessary steps and measures in controlling the situation. Ninety percent of the people want peace in the district, but because of the remaining 10 percent, peace has been disrupted and some are giving backdoor support to these kinds of people.

"Section 144 should be imposed for one year, and permission should not be given for protests and processions, be it for religious or social activities. Businesses and labourers suffered because of the bandh. The police should also arrest those who spread rumours and false information through various social media and proper action should be taken against them," he said.

"Parents should control their children through proper monitoring. We want brotherhood and communal harmony in the district. All this is happening because of a few miscreants and there is a need to control them," he added.

Balakrishna Rai, president of Human Rights Federation said, "Though 144 section was implemented, there were youths going around in groups. Being responsilble citizens, we should guide our youngsters. When we given importance to work related to education and health, there will not be time to waste on these kinds of activities. First and foremost, we should give importance to humanitarian values. 

"Ganja racket is rampant in schools and colleges, and also gambling centres near educational institutions. The administration should curb such activities," he added.

At this point, SP Sharanappa said, "First of all, we need to introspect. The police alone cannot do everything. Officers come and go, but being responsible citizens, you the people are here to build the future and guide the young generation and give them proper suggestions. Parents and family members should give attention to children and guide them on the right path whenever they deviate."

Fr Joseph from Beltangady suggested that there be forums for communal harmony at village levels, which he said would help to resolve problems. 

Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president of district Kannada Sahitya Parishat said, "We are talking as if all hope is lost. There have been many positive events also in the recent past, like Children's Festival and so on which created a positive atmosphere. When we engage in a positive approach, we also have positive thoughts. Because of today's advanced technology, young minds have been pervaded and they are losing the ability to have good thoughts." 

At this point, the DC said, "If there had been violence for one more day (in mid-November), internet would have been jammed. We had considered this. Such a step would have affected business and commerce."

"The district administration has sanctioned Rs 35 lac to the police department to install CCTV cameras in various sensitive areas throughout the district," he added.

Social activist Vidya Dinker urged the district adminstration to monitor Yakshagana performances, claiming that the characters playing the roles of devils in some of the Yakshagana plays were 'depicted as Muslims'. 

Ali Hasan, a businessman said, "These incidents are happening because of provocative speeches by some, and as police have shown softness in dealing with them, such incidents have continued. These kinds of activities and resulting bandhs affect the working class, and if it continues, Smart City will be called 'murder city'. Hence proper action needs to be taken. In BC Road incident, police took suo motu action against protestors, but they should let the action be legal instead. It was perhaps the first time suo motu action was taken against protestors."

Vasanth Acharya, CPIM leader said, "Political leaders are misleading the people of the district. Awareness should be created among the youth in schools and colleges. The Constitutional rights of citizens should be protected. Criminal case should be filed against those who call for bandh. There were several public programmes planned on the day of the bandh and the following days, so they should be made responsible for the cancellations of these programmes and criminal cases should be filed."

He also suggested that the district administration hold programmes in schools and colleges aimed at fostering communal harmony.

Ravindrah Ullal, a resident of Ullal said, "People have suffered because of lack of communication during communal incidents. Police in muftis should keep a watch on sensitive areas."

Yadav Shetty said that the district administration needs to provide proper information on cattle thefts, missing girls, love Jihad and other issues, so as to prevent spread of false information on social media.

In conclusion, DC A B Ibrahim said, "We live in a democratic setup. In the fields of health and education we are equal to the developed countries and have high parameters. For such parametres, police department is not even required, but unfortunately we have to have it. We have to change ourselves from the inside. We are committing a mistake by being a silent mass. We must speak out and publicly boycott miscreants and all those who indulge in unwanted activities. We are holding peace meets once in three months and programmes that foster communal harmony at every level." 

He also added that banners and flexes could be put up only after taking permission from the district administration, and those who give call for bandh would be held responsible for the losses incurred.
DCP Shantaraju and others were present.