Ban on PFI, SDPI, Bajrang Dal, Ram Sene likely

Bengaluru: The state government is contemplating banning both Hindu and Muslim organisations which are disturbing peace and harmony in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Hinting at this, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said this would be discussed with officials and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before taking a final decision. In fact, Hindu organisations like Bajrang Dal and Sri Ram Sene, and Muslim organisations like Popular Front of India (PFI) and Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI)  are crossing swords in the coastal district and spoiling peace and tranquility. Details regarding all these four organisations are being collected and suitable action will be taken soon.

Mr Reddy held political parties responsible for patronizing such communal organisations for political gain. Unfortunately, none of them were interested in re-establishing communal harmony in these districts. It is difficult for the police to keep a watch on activities of these organisations all the time, he said adding that Hindu and Muslim organisations are trying to settle scores even over a minor provocation.

‘No proof of PFI hand’
 Mr Reddy said it was not clear whether alleged Hindu activist Deepak Rao had been murdered by the PFI or was even a member of the BJP or any other saffron outfit.

He said there were many theories about the murder, and there was no conclusive evidence that it was a killing based on ideology as claimed by the BJP.

"While the BJP has claimed that around 20 Hindu activists have been  killed in the state in recent years, , only 11 of them were proved to be ideological murders and the rest were purely the result of personal rivalry. In all the cases, chargesheets have been filed and the BJP leaders cansee for themselves that at least eight murders were not ideology based.  Even in the case of Paresh Mesta in Honnavar,  his father has denied that he was associated with any
organisation.  The exact reason for his killing will also be established after proper investigation,"  he added. The Minister noted that six members of the PFI had been murdered as well in the state. 

"The district has become  volatile in terms of communal clashes. The government will take strict action against those breeding communal hatred among the young,"he warned. Asked about BJP's allegation that the Congress was shielding PFI activists, Mr Reddy dismissed it as baseless. ''In fact , in a Gram Panchayat called Savanur, the BJP and PFI joined hands to capture power and keep the Congress at bay," he recalled, claiming, “When murders take place they point fingers at each other, but join hands over certain issues.”