Malali Mosque issue: Ignore provocative statements; resolve dispute by dialogue, says MLA Bharat Shetty

Panambur: Mangaluru North MLA Bharat Y Shetty held a conciliation meeting with the parties involved in the Malali Mosque dispute and urged them to ignore the “communally provocative statements” given by Congress and SDPI.

Speaking at the meeting attended by heads of the Malali Mosque’s Governing Council, leaders of VHP, Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu organizations, the MLA urged the leaders to remain united and cooperate to “maintain the law and order situation.”

He further accused Congress and SDPI of driving a wedge between communities with their false statements. “Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah made statements without understanding the ground reality. SDPI is also inciting Muslim youths to violence. The community leaders should understand this” he said.

Further, the MLA suggested the mosque matter be resolved amicably through dialogue.

The Mosque’s Governing Council clarified that the mosque had a 400-year-old history. The traditional records about the mosque’s existence have been preserved, they added.

At the same time, VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell said that there was no question of inciting conflict. “The Tambula Prashe was held to fulfill the religious curiosity… The Hindu and Muslim communities have been living in harmony at Malali,” he added.