Hindu activists stopped outside Srirangapatna, recite Hanuman Chalisa at another site

MANDYA: About 2,000 Hindu activists arrived near Srirangapatna on Saturday heeding the ‘Srirangapatna Chalo’ call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishat. However, they were barricaded off at Kirangur Gate by the police who prevented them from proceeding further.

The activists, who had arrived in two- and three-wheelers and cars, sat in protest on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway for some time, affecting traffic. Unable to move to the Jamia Masjid in Srirangapatna town, the activists then proceeded to Bannimantap where they recited Hanuman Chalisa and performed puja and raised ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogans.

Activists gathered at Bannimantap.

Prior to this, there was some confusion as activists of the Bajrang Sene were insistent on proceeding towards the masjid. However, the VHP did not agree to go ahead with the rally. Sunil, one of the leaders, told Public TV that they have not abandoned the ‘Srirangapatna Chalo’ plan, but dropped the rally.

Activists singing Hanuman Chalisa and Ram bhajans.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of IPC has been imposed in the town since Friday evening in view of the ‘Srirangapatna Chalo’ rally. Tight security has been provided around Jamia Masjid and the area barricaded.

The road from the Kuvempu statue up to the masjid has also been sealed. Entry of people inside, including tourists, has been prohibited for today. CCTV cameras have also been installed and a special team has been formed to keep the area secure.

The South zone IGP and Mandya SP inspecting the security arrangements on Friday night.

South zone IGP Praveen Madhukar Pawar inspected the security arrangements last night and spoke to Mandya SP N Yatish. “The city is completely peaceful now and it will remain that way in the coming days. We’ve made the necessary arrangements. We’ve deployed our men, spoken to leaders and communicated to them about prohibitory orders in place. If there is any violation, they will face legal action,” said the SP.

“Prohibitory orders have been imposed by the taluk administration and there’s no permission for rallies/processions/protests in Srirangapatna town panchayat limits today. We’ve ensured adequate bandobast in and around the town so that no untoward incident takes place,” the SP added.

“Over 500 police personnel have been deployed and four check posts created. The weekly market has been postponed and liquor sale has been banned around a 5-km radius in the area,” said Mandya Deputy Commissioner S Ashwathi.

The SP, two DySPs, five police inspectors, 10 sub-inspectors, 300 constables, two KSRP and four DAR platoons have been deployed.