Ullal disturbance not a communal violence, asserts Home Minister KJ George

Ullal disturbance not a communal violence, asserts Home Minister KJ George

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 12, 2014 : State Home Minister KJ George has assured that  those guilty in the recent case of clashes in Ullal will face stern punishment. At the same time the home minister said if at all it was found that any innocent has been arrested, then steps would be taken to release them.

Speaking to the media at the Circuit House in the city on February 12, Wednesday, George  claimed that the clashes in Ullal  were in no way communal clashes but clashes between individuals. He also  alleged that some gave it a communal colour  for political gains.

While   commending the police force for discharging its duties effectively during the Ullal disturbance,  he said  the Department has been issued instructions to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in the future.

Later speaking at the District Congress Office,  the Home Minister said  peace meetings should be convened  immediately whenever there is disturbance in any area.

Referring to the moral policing incidents, George  said the public  need to support the police department in curbing such act.

Commenting on the Naxal menace, he said the government would welcome  if the Naxals want to shun weapons and join mainstream society, but if they are unrelenting, then the Anti-Naxal Force will deal with them in the right manner, he added.

On the reported threats which some businessmen here are receiving from underworld elements, Home Minister said the government has information of the same and added  the Interpol has been informed of some elements which are operating from outside the nation.

He also informed that the state government has made 8500  appointments to the police department this year  after a gap of almost   four years.

MLA JR Lobo who also spoke made a request to the Home Minister to make provisions for expansion of the district prison in Mangalore and also to provide better accommodation facilities for police personnel.

State Minister Abhayachandra Jain, Congress leaders Ibrahim, PV Mohan, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.

The Home Minister later also met  IGP (Western Range) Pratap Reddy and held discussions on the law and order situation in the district.