Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 18: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, asserted that no rules, regulations, or legal provisions had been violated in printing invitation to the annual car festival of Lord Mahalingeshwara temple Puttur with his name and designation therein. He opined that this controversy, which was unexpected, has arisen out of intolerance.

Replying to questions raised by media persons at his office here on Thursday March 18, Ibrahim said that Hindu Religious Endowments Act bars non-Hiindus from taking part in religious worship procedures, but it does not bar inclusion of names of non-Hindus in the invitations relating to religious programmes.

"We have conveyed this information to Puttur MLA, who has now been convinced about the provisions. All concerned aspects have been looked into. If anyone specifically points out mistakes or lapses under any laws or rules, we are open to correct them," he clarified.

Ibrahim explained that in his capacity as special officer at Mysuru, he had taken part in several Dasara-related programmes there for three years, adding that during the last two years, he had convened over 25 meetings concerning safety, monitoring, and other issues relating to temples in the district, and had taken several steps in this direction. He also revealed that another meeting is being convened on Friday on the issue of recent developments at Kollur temple.

"As and when deemed suitable, I have taken part in puja programmes and accepted Prasadam offered to me. It is improper for anyone to raise questions about the propriety of doing so," he said in reply to a question. He said that higher officials and home department have been kept abreast of the threat given to give call for Puttur bandh.

The DC observed that history of Tulunadu evidences long and harmonious relationship between Hindus and Muslims, giving examples of Bappa Beary's association with Bappanadu temple at Mulky and Ali Chamundi shrine at Kumble. He felt that one should always try to cement relationships rather than creating fissures. He said that his name has appeared in the temple invitation because of his current designation as the deputy commissioner of the district, duly clarifying that his permission had not been sought before doing so.

"I have been hurt by this controversy. However, being the DC of the district, it is my responsibility to bring people together. I have been discharging this duty diligently," he stated.