Media crusade against Bhatkal Muslims': Tazneem calls for bandh on Thursday

October 9, 2012

Bhatkal, October 9: Continuing its agitation against the media crusade against Bhatkal Muslims, a prominent socio-political organisation of the region has called for Bhatkal bandh on Thursday, October 11.

The dawn-to-dusk bandh call is part of the efforts of Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem to exert pressure on the authorities to arrest the communal and anti-social journalists, who allegedly “spewed venom against Bhatkal Muslims and their religious institutions through a Kannada daily newspaper with the intention of tarnishing the image of the peaceful town and spoil the communal harmony in the region”.

Tanzeem vice president S M Parvez, who announced the bandh at a media conference here, said that the malicious story appeared in 'Kannada Prabha' on September 2, this year, was nothing but a media crusade against Muslims of Bhatkal.

He said that because of such media crusaders, who portray innocent Muslims as traitors and terrorists, entire community is looked upon with distrust.

He said that the Kannada daily has insulted the entire town by baseless allegations against a community.

The hateful report not only targeted Bhatkal Muslims but also targeted eight famous Masjids of the town, terming them as “prohibited areas, where police too did not venture”, Mr Parvez said and added that the Tanzeem did not understand why authorities did not take any action against those responsible for such a hateful and communal story.

“Though we submitted a memorandum to Additional Superintendent of Police, and Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal on September 10 requesting them to arrest the editor and reporter of the particular newspaper, no action was taken by the police department. With lot of hope once again, we approached the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Karwar on September 18, explained them the sensitivity of the situation and requested them once again to take action, but in vain”, he lamented.

Hence, Tanzeem has decided to observe bandh demanding legal action against those who tried to spoil the peace. All the schools and colleges in the town will remain closed on Thursday, along with shops and other establishments, he said, appealing to various local organisations including auto-rickshaw drivers to support their cause.

He further said that they would intensify their protest if the administration did not pay heed to their demand even after bandh.

Mr Parvez stressed that Hindus and Muslims have been living in peace and harmony in Bhatkal, without any communal feuds. “We will never allow the peace to be disrupted here,” he said.

Tanzeem general secretary Altaf Kharoori, former president Parvez Kashimji, Zubair Moulana, K M Ashfak, Inayatullah Shabandri and Sanaullah were also present in the press meet.

Meanwhile, local units of Congress and JD(S) also have extended their support to the Tanzeem sponsored Bhatkal bandh.

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Model code of conduct enforced in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi for MLC by-election: Key details inside

News Network

September 20,2024

Mangaluru, Sep 20: The bye-election for the MLC seat, vacated by Kota Srinivas Poojary after his election as an MP, will take place on October 21. The election covers 6,037 voters from 392 local bodies across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and election officer Mullai Muhilan provided details at a press conference held at the DC office on Thursday.

Key Election Dates:

Nomination Period: September 26 to October 3
Verification of Nominations: October 4
Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: October 7
Election Day: October 21 (Polling from 8 AM to 4 PM)
Vote Counting: October 24

Code of Conduct:

The model code of conduct came into effect on September 19 and will remain in place until October 28 in both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. During this period, government development projects cannot be announced, and foundation stone-laying ceremonies are prohibited. Political banners and hoardings are also banned. Government officials are restricted from participating in public programs or meetings. The Election Commission will oversee all political events, and the regulations that apply to MP and MLA elections will also govern this MLC bye-election.

Election Management:

Additional DCs of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will assist as election officers. While no election-related check posts will be set up, flying squads and video surveillance teams will monitor compliance. Political party buntings and hoardings will be removed immediately.

Voter and Polling Information:

Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts fall under the Dakshina Kannada local body authority. In this bye-election, eligible voters include members of gram panchayats, city corporations, city municipalities, town municipalities, town panchayats, as well as MLAs, MLCs, and MPs.

Dakshina Kannada: 3,551 voters, 234 polling booths
Udupi: 2,486 voters, 158 polling booths

Officials Present:

The press conference was attended by ZP CEO Dr. Anand, Additional DC Dr. Santhosh Kumar, Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, SP Yatheesh, MCC Commissioner Anand C L, and Assistant Commissioner Girish Nandan.

This election marks a significant political event for both districts, with voters from various local bodies participating in the process.

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Deputy SP suspended over Ganesh idol procession violence in Mandya

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September 20,2024

Mandya: The Deputy Superintendent of Police of Nagamangala town in Mandya district has been suspended for "negligence and dereliction of duty" in connection with the clashes that broke out between two groups during a Lord Ganesh idol procession, police said on Friday.

This is the second suspension of a police officer over the clashes on September 11 following which mobs went on a rampage targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension here.

The situation in the town has since returned to normalcy and most of the shops have started operating. However, adequate security forces continued to be stationed here as a precautionary measure, according to police.

Sumeeth A R, DySP (Nagamangala), was suspended on Thursday for negligence and dereliction of duty, Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi told PTI.

"He (Sumeeth) was not present at the spot nor was he at the police headquarters when the incident occurred. He arrived late at the spot despite the sensitive nature of events," he said.

Earlier, Police Inspector Ashok Kumar posted at Nagamangala town police station was suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the violence.

A total of 55 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police, an argument broke out between two groups, when the Ganesh idol procession by devotees from Badarikoppalu village reached a place of worship on September 11, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation.

The police had used mild force to disperse the crowd to control the situation.

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