Mangaluru Compol asks community leaders to maintain peace; not to heed online rumours

Mangaluru: A day after the directive from Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to maintain law and order situation in the state on the backdrop of protests in parts of the country over derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammad, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar held a meeting with Muslim community leaders on Monday, June 13.

The Compol said that the meeting was held due to rumours being circulated on social media by anonymous individuals and organizations inciting protests. “There were several objectionable social media posts targetting communities,” he said.

The community leaders were requested not to listen to such rumors being circulated online and their cooperation was sought to maintain peace and tranquility.

The Muslim community leaders responded positively to the request and assured the officials that no protests have been organized on the issue, Shashi Kumar added.

Muslim Central Committee Vice President B A Mumtaz Ali corroborated the Police Commissioner’s statements and welcomed the administration’s move to invite community leaders for a discussion. Further, he told the press that efforts are required to sort out issues at the local level. It would be fruitful to call a joint meeting with the people’s representatives and leaders of all communities were called to sort out pernicious issues, he added.

Violent protests broke out in several parts of the country last week against the controversial remarks of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma on Prophet Mohammad. People held massive protests after Friday prayers demanding the arrest of former BJP spokespersons Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal.