Kasargod: High Alert in District, Additional Police Contingents Deployed
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)
Pics: Arif Machampadi

Kasargod, Dec 6: Annually since the last many years, the district observes undeclared bandh on December 6 every year, amidst fears about the anti-social elements taking advantage of the sensitive communal fabric of the region, on the occasion of the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition. Unprecedented arrangements have been put in place this time in the district, to stop the bandh being enforced on the people again, and also in view of the recent incidents that continue to cause ripples across the district.

On the night of Satuday December 5, stones were pelted at four Karnataka State Road Transport Corpoation buses at Muttangate, Kukkar, Bhawati Gate and the circle in the town near CPCRI, shattering their window glasses. None was injured in the incidents, but the people waiting in the local bus stand for these buses, faced problems. A private bus moving between Chevar and Bandyodu was intercepted by a gang, which warned that the bus would be torched if it was found plying on December 6.

Police vigil and vehicle inspection is continuing in sensitive areas of the district since Friday evening. About 1,000 policemen have been additionally deployed to manage the situation. Bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs have been moving about, checking bus stands, railway stations and public places.

District superintendent of police, Prakash, has warned that those indulging in disturbing peace will be charged under sections pertaining to attempt to murder. He also said that escort would be provided for the vehicles of Ayyappa devotees, which will be moving through the district. The policemen have also been collecting details of people staying in lodges and rented houses and have said that they would take people to preventive custody if they get suspicions about the appearance or movement of the persons.

The district collector, however, has not chosen to issue prohibitory orders in the district, although neighbouring districts in Karnataka, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, have done so.