Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, June 6: A delegation comprising like-minded organisations including writers, doctors, lecturers, and members of civil society met MLC B K Hariprasad on Friday, June 6, at the Circuit House to discuss the ongoing situation in the district, raising serious concerns over law and order and the urgent need to restore peace and communal harmony.
The two-hour meeting saw a wide-ranging discussion on several key issues, including the trend of inflammatory public statements, the role of judicial relief in such cases, and growing fears over communal polarisation. Delegates urged immediate measures to address what they described as a deteriorating atmosphere of fear and division.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, MLC B K Hariprasad said, “I met with delegations from the district and discussed various pressing issues. I’ve taken their suggestions seriously as we work to bring peace and harmony back to the region. There have been deliberate attempts to create divisions between religious communities, which have disrupted the district’s peace.”
When questioned about recent externment orders and court interventions, Hariprasad emphasised equality before the law. “The law is the same for everyone — no one is above it. Both the executive and judiciary must work together to ensure peace. We must not let this district turn into another Manipur. Strong measures will be taken, but we also need judicial cooperation. It's concerning when individuals who make provocative remarks are quickly granted relief by the courts. If people who deliver inflammatory speeches are immediately protected by the legal system, it goes against the spirit of ‘Sarva Janangada Shanthiya Thota’ — a peaceful garden for all communities.”
Addressing the recent Bengaluru stampede incident and the suspension of police officers, Hariprasad refrained from criticising the government’s decision but spoke in defence of senior police officials.
“The government's decision cannot be commented on at this point. From my experience, the Police Commissioner is one of the cleanest officers in Bengaluru. Since I wasn’t in the city during the incident, I will be travelling there to gather details about the basis of the suspensions. Such incidents should never occur,” he said.
Muneer Katipalla, who was part of the delegation, said, “Several issues were brought up with MLC B K Hariprasad, such as the law and order situation, and the trend of individuals making provocative remarks and then securing immediate relief from the court. We're in a situation where people are afraid to speak out against communalism. Some communal forces appear to be linked with organisations and government bodies, and this needs to be addressed.”
"Many individuals using the 'protector of religion' tagline are, in fact, involved in criminal activities, with backgrounds as rowdy sheeters and goondas. The government must take swift and decisive action to address and control this growing concern," Katipalla added.
Hariprasad assured the delegation that he would arrange a meeting with the chief minister to take the matter forward and explore concrete solutions. He responded positively to the suggestions and left the delegation satisfied with the outcome.
He further noted, “Communal and criminal forces are working hand-in-hand. Elements such as the sand mafia, gambling, and betting rackets contribute to this nexus, and they must be dealt with firmly.”