From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (EP)

Madikeri, Nov 7: Pro-Hindu organizations which participated in the peace meeting held by district administration here for celebrations of Tipu Jayanti in between support and opposition, walked out opposing the celebrations. Muslim groups requested the administration to take suitable measures for peaceful celebrations. 

The peace meeting was held in the deputy commissioner’s auditorium on Monday evening, November 7 in the presence of superintendent of police Rajendra Prasad and DFO Edukondalu. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Richard Vincent D’Souza chaired the meeting. Additional deputy commissioner Sathish Kumar requested different groups and associations in the district and leaders of political parties present in the meeting for cooperation to celebrate Tipu Jayanti as per the announcement by the government.

District BJP president Manu Muthappa speaking on the occasion said that the government has gone ahead for the celebrations ignoring the feelings of the district. “If at all the government is so concerned towards the minorities, let it use the amount, being used in the celebrations, for their welfare programmes,” he suggested.

He warned that the government and the district administration will solely be responsible if any untoward incidents occur in between the celebrations despite opposition by the people.

“Filing cases against those who oppose Tipu Jayanti under section 107 is unjust,” said Manumuthappa expressing his dissatisfaction. Swamy Vivekananda Janaseva Sangha president Ganesh lamented that several lacs of rupees gets used in programmes such as these which are being celebrated against people’s wish. “Rs 34 lac was spent for Tipu Jayanti amid tight security last year which ended with unpleasant incidents. Such situation is likely to prevail this year too. The government has shown its arrogance by announcing the celebration even though minorities have not requested for it,” he said.

Bajrang Dal district convener N K Ajith Kumar said that they do not support the government’s decision. Meanwhile pro Hindu organization leaders boycotted the meeting and walked out.

DC Dr Richard Vincent D’Souza requested not to oppose Tipu Jayanti but celebrate it peacefully.

Wakf board president M H Abdul Rehman requested for security for those who come for celebrations responding to the invitation of the district administration.

City Congress president K U Abdul Razak said that district administration has decided to hand over 200 invitations to celebrate Tipu Jayanti with tight security. “It is not necessary to hand over such invitations. Instead of that, let officials join and celebrate the birth anniversary,” he said.

After all the arguments, the officials decided to celebrate the birth anniversary on November 10 with tight security.