MANGALURU: Tensions gripped Bantwal and BC Road, as Muslim youths conducted a bike rally as part of Eid Milad at BC Road, which was opposed by Hindu activists.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal workers held ‘BC Road Chalo’ in Mangaluru. The Hindu activists, who were already angered by the bike rally, became even more enraged when the police allowed the Muslim youths to continue their rally. The Hindu activists then sat on the road, protesting against the police and demanding to know why they were allowed to hold a bike rally.
Activists of Hindu organizations gathered in BC Road, Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, following a call from Bajrang Dal and VHP. The situation became tense, but eventually, the Hindu activists called off their protest. However, later, when Muslim youth arrived in cars and bikes, waving Muslim flags, the Hindu activists became enraged again and protested on the road.
The Hindu activists said they would not leave the place until they are allowed to hold a procession, and that they had remained quiet until now, but could not tolerate the bike rally.
The police have made elaborate arrangements in the wake of the BC Road Chalo. Under the leadership of SP Yatish, additional police forces have been deployed. Police have tightened security and various units, including the KSRP and the Armed Reserve Force, have been deployed. Senior police officers are deployed at the spot.
In view of the Eid Milad procession, the police have changed the route of the procession to avoid BC Road, as a precautionary measure
VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and Puneeth also participated in the protest. Meanwhile, there was a scuffle between the police and Hindu activists.
Yatish N, SP of Dakshina Kannada said, “Today, on the eve of Eid-e-Milad festival, we had made adequate arrangements around the district and there was a call for a protest in Bantwal town on BC Road, for which we have taken adequate steps. We are ensuring that no untoward incident takes place in Bantwal or anywhere in the district. There is some issue that is happening amongst a few people and I cannot disclose more about it. We just wanted to ensure that everything remains peaceful. Whoever disturbs peace will face legal action.”
As the clash between protesters and police escalated, police detained the activists.