Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP) 

Mangaluru, Sep 3: Police prevented the protest planned by Popular Front of India (PFI) opposing arrest of former Ullal municipal councillor who had allegedly sent communally provocative message in WhatsApp for which he was arrested subsequently. The activists postponed the protests after stern warning by the police. 

Police had arrested former Ullal municipal councillor, JD(S) leader Zakir Hussain. He had allegedly sent a message in Beary language to the police regarding a matter concerning two religions that would create friction between them. The police arrested Zakir Hussain on orders from Police Commissioner and produced him in the court. 

The protestors said that Zakir had only spoken against exploitation in the society and hence called for protest against arrest of Zakir Hussain. They said Zakir is a social worker. 

PFI activists gathered in front of the police station in large numbers on Monday, September 2 at 4 pm. More than 100 police personnel including from Ullal, Konaje and Mangaluru, KSRP and CRPF squad were present. Meanwhile ACP Kodandarama who called PFI leaders said that there is no provision for protests on feast day. “Though you are protesting for justice, miscreants are likely to misuse the opportunity to hurl stones and bottles. Therefore, lathi-charge will be inevitable. There is a festival atmosphere in the district. Therefore, it is difficult to control even petty disturbance. You may protest on any other day but not on feast day,” he said. 

The PFI activists who agreed with the ACP went back with a decision to protest on some other day. 

Ullal police inspector Gopikrishna, Kankanady police station inspector Ashok and Ullal police station inspector Ravish Nayak led the security arrangements.