Uneasy calm prevails in Uppinangady as elected representatives back Kalladka Bhat amidst peace efforts

The remarks by Mr Palemar, who accused the minorities of the district of creating problems for programmes of Hindus, has staoked a fresh controversy. After discussing with Sangh Parivar leaders in Uppinangady on Tuesday Mr Palemar had stated that though the Hindus in the district had not created any problems for programmes organised by minorities, the miscreants from “other communities” had many a times disturbed Hindu Samajotsavas.

Justifying the provocative speech, Mr Palemar said that being a leader of Hindus it was the responsibility of Mr Bhat to send warning signals to the Hindus about the dangers faced by the society such as 'love-jehad', 'cow-slaughter' and 'terrorism' etc. “You cannot call it a provocative speech”, he maintained.

Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Deputy Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly N Yogish Bhat and Puttur MLA Mallika Prasad, among other BJP leaders of the region, too have expressed their support to Kalladka Bhat and his cause.

Meanwhile secular parties and progressive groups have slammed the district in-charge minister, saying that the latter's statements had caused hindrance to the peacemaking efforts.

The renewed threat by Hindu Hitharakshana Vedike to follow the 'preaching' and 'guidance' of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, and warning by Vishwa Hindu Parshad leaders to the minorities that they would not 'tolerate' any effort to 'disturb Hindu events', have added fuel to the fire.

However Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Pratap Reddy has stated that situation was under control and police was maintaining strict vigil in the area to prevent any untoward incidents.

Superintendent of Police Abhishek Goyal has assured that society that his department would not yield to any political pressure. “We will take stringent action against wrongdoers, but, will not harass innocents” he said in a peace committee meeting organized at the office of the assistant commissioner in Puttur on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Uppinagady police have taken four suspected Bajrang Dal activists into custody for attacking police during the Magardka jathre, a day after the Hindu Samajotsava. The arrested have been identified as Janardana, Vasudeva and Gangadhara.