Malali mosque dispute: DC reviews situation; appeals for calm and peace

Mangaluru: On the backdrop of an announcement by the Vishva Hindu Parishad to hold a ‘Tambula Prashne” ritual over the controversial Malali Masjid, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rajendra K V held a review meeting on Tuesday and took stock of the situation.

In a video released to the media, the DC said that several organizations had approached the district administration to stay the renovation work at the site after a temple-like structure was noticed. The parties in the dispute have agreed to halt the renovation of the mosque after a court injunction, he added.

At a meeting with the mosque officials, in the presence of police and other government officials, the mosque authorities have agreed to take the matter to the courts and follow its orders.

The dispute will be decided by the courts based on the documentary evidence, he clarified.

Meanwhile, VHP has made all preparations to hold a “Tambula Prashne” ritual at the Ramanjaneya Bhajana Mandira in Malali at 8 am on May 25.

Prohibitory orders clamped around the temple site

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 were issued around the 500-meter radius of the disputed site from May 25 midnight until 8 am on May 26. The roads from Kajilakodi to Malali, Ganjimatha to the Malali mosque, and  Kaikambha to Jodutadame have been declared completely forbidden areas.