Posters and swords installed at squares during the Eid Milad procession in Karnataka's Shivamogga (X)
In the recent communal clash incident during the Eid-e-Milad procession in Shivamogga, Karnataka, the police have filed 24 FIRs and apprehended 60 individuals. Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar assured reporters on Tuesday that normalcy has been restored, and the situation is now peaceful in Shivamogga.
He emphasized that the city’s security measures have been tailored to meet the demands of the situation. He urged the public not to be swayed by rumours or false information. The SP firmly stated that no one responsible for the incident would be spared.
Kumar also mentioned an ongoing investigation into the involvement of outsiders. He explained that comprehensive evidence, including CCTV footage, has been gathered to identify the culprits, who will face appropriate action. Additionally, reports of individuals wielding machetes and swords during the procession are being looked into.
The officer further noted that the police have arrested those who spread false information about the alleged encounter with a youth during the incident. Cases have also been registered against those who forwarded this message.
On October 1, tension flared in Shivamogga after a stone pelting incident occurred during the Eid-e-Milad procession in the city. In response, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under CrPc Section 144 in the city.
Shivamogga clashes
Tensions gripped the town of Karnataka after an Islamic procession featuring posters of tyrant Tipu Sultan and songs like ‘Jab chali Haider ki Talwar’ was organised on the occasion of Eid Milad. Notably, some of the posters installed for the procession had green painted on the map of Bharat and the ‘Muslim Empire’ written on it, with posters of Aurangzeb. All of this is happening under the newly elected Congress government in the state. The videos and the pictures from the procession are going viral on social media, days after the incident.
As per a report by the Times of India, on October 1, an Islamic procession was organised in Shivamogga on the occasion of Eid Milad. Tensions started after, some Muslim youths erected a large portrait of erstwhile Mysuru state ruler Tipu Sultan at Ragigudda-Shanti Nagar on the outskirts of the city. Right-wing activists took objection, claiming that the portrait depicts Tipu Sultan killing a Hindu warrior.
Shivamogga SP GK Mithun Kumar reached out to leaders from both communities to address the issue. He urged them to persuade the youths to have peaceful Eid Milad celebrations. The SP instructed the organisers to cover the portrait with a curtain to prevent the situation from escalating further.
A few hours later, a Muslim youth heightened tensions by using his blood to inscribe the words ‘Sher Tipu’ on the portrait. Following this, security measures in the city were beefed up.
As soon as the processions reached the Ragigudda area around 8 pm, stones started pelting from both sides and the situation went out of control.
Notably, visuals getting viral from the procession show that this was not a normal peaceful procession but was provocative. From swords in the procession to songs featuring Haider and posters featuring Tipu Sultan, there were many things against the law.
Islamists desecrated the statue of Rani Abbakka
In Mangaluru, Karnataka, the police have issued notices to a group of Islamist individuals who were seen waving religious flags while climbing onto the statue of freedom fighter Rani Abbakka. This incident occurred at Veera Rani Abbakka Circle during the Eid Milad procession on September 28.
The video of this act gained widespread attention on social media and sparked public outrage. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Ullal police promptly collected video evidence, identified the individuals involved, and sent them notices to appear before the investigating officer.
It is worth noting that a large group of young people climbed onto the statue during the procession and allegedly displayed disrespectful behaviour. They also obstructed traffic and created a disturbance by incessant honking, causing inconvenience to the public, as reported by the police.
Given that Mangaluru is a city with sensitive communal dynamics, the police took swift action to identify the individuals from various areas in Dakshina Kannada district, including Manjanadi, Madaka, Bantwal, Belthangady, Deralakatte, Konaje, and Ullal.
In response to the incident of stone pelting during the Eid Milad procession, curfew orders have been imposed in Shivamogga City, leading to the arrest of over 40 individuals in connection with the matter.
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