Let people recognise the politics behind the unrest and stay calm

It is most unfortunate that an incident that occurred in Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district two months ago, soon spread to neighbouring regions and has morphed into a communal riot. The two religion based groups that are blaming each other need to take a step back and introspect to get to the truth.

The truth is there are two killings in two months. Each belongs to different religion. In two months there have been 5 incidents of stabbing and people of both religions are hurt.  In May, one Gram Panchayat vice-president was killed in connection with sand politics in Karopadi, Bantwal. The political leaders successfully painted it a political color.   Since the elections are fast approaching, it benefits all political parties to keep such activities alive in the coastal Karnataka which is already famous for communal fights. Such activities help in polarisation of votes.  There are ample examples of communal riots in this part of the State as the elections approach. The same is happening now also. People need to understand this and show patience which will benefit them.

The longest prohibitory orders in the history of the State of 43 days are imposed in the district. This will affect people’s freedom too.  Also in all riot the people who are affected most are the common workers and ordinary people and to their property.  The politicians who speak to instigate public to react will not lose anything. Instead they make the best use of the disturbances. It is always the common people who are at the receiving end.

Communal riots in Dakshina Kannada are nothing new.  The reasons for the riots are also not a secret.  Earlier, the friction was for moral policing or small differences during festivals. But now it has taken the Kerala style hatred.  

DK that shares a border with Kerala has easily adapted Kerala’s culture and it is dangerous development that needs to be curtailed now.  In Kerala the Left Parties and BJP are at loggerheads for some time now and are using weapons to settle scores.  The incidents at Dakshina Kannada are finally law and order issues and the Home Ministry has to deal with it.  

It is not impossible to bring peace back into the coastal district provided the government has the willingness to do it and the police department takes action unbiased. Most importantly the politicisation of religion should stop and the public must beware the politicians who are using them for their personal political gains.

• Dakshina Kannada communal riots
• political exploitation