In a shocking allegation, Karnataka Home Minister Basavraj Bommai claimed that some “traitors” from neighbouring Kerala came to Mangaluru who caused violence.
Mangaluru| Demonstrations against citizenship law were held in several cities in Karnataka on Thursday. Police said that some insurgents set fire to a police station in Mangaluru. At least 20 policemen were injured in the incident. Police opened fire in defence, killing 2 people.
However, in a shocking revelation State Home Minister Basavraj Bommai claimed that some “traitors” from the neighbouring state of Kerala came to Mangaluru who caused violence. The police also said that they have been plotting it for 4 days. On the other hand, BJP leader BL Santosh alleged that Congress MLA UT Khader was responsible for this.
Bommai claimed that some traitors in Mangaluru caused violence. He claimed the outsiders include people from the neighbouring state of Kerala. “They were planning a violent demonstration for the last 4 days. Some rumours were spread about the performance so that people would be misled,” he said.
Also Read: WATCH: Assam Police break into Assam news channel office, beat up staff
Santosh tweeted, “UT Khader, Cong MLA who incited people by his extreme threats is directly responsible for the loss of 2 lives n Mangaluru police firing today … Should be booked under the law …”
Kerala journalists among those arrested in Mangaluru
The police on Thursday arrested several people including 15 reporters/ camerapersons from prominent news channels in Kerala. According to News 9, the police claimed they were “Fake Journalists” carrying lethal weapons.
A journalist from a Malayalam channel was on live when he was detained by cops. He has his camera, logo and crew. Same case with all. pic.twitter.com/xGRgISBaz7
— Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) December 20, 2019
The journalists were apparently covering the post mortem of the 2 people who were killed in Mangaluru firing. During the coverage, police detained them saying that they did not have accreditation cards. These cards, however, are issued to journalists for covering Government events and assembly proceedings.
Kerala CM intervenes to ensure the release of Journalists
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has intervened in the matter to ensure the release of journalists. According to The News Minute, he has already instructed the top officials in the state to take necessary steps. Top administrative brass of Kerala, including Director General of Police, Home Secretary and Chief Secretary of the state have reportedly received direct instructions from the CM’s office.
Internet shutdown in two districts including Mangaluru
Mangaluru Police Commissioner PS Harsh said that after the violent incidents, section 144 in the city has now been increased till December 22. In addition, the mobile Internet service will be stopped for 48 hours in Mangaluru and South Kannada districts.
#Karnataka home minister Basavaraj Bommai blames #Mangaluru violence on people who came from #Kerala 4 days ago and indulged in violence. Calls it a 'deep conspiracy' #CAA_NRC pic.twitter.com/FOkMWUtbsL
— Pooja Prasanna (@PoojaPrasanna4) December 19, 2019
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said that 24 people have been arrested in connection with the protests and violence. The accused include MLA Rizwan Arshad and historian Ramchandra Guha. Section 144 will remain in force in the city till Saturday.
Students in IIM and IISc also protested
Left parties and Muslim organizations in Karnataka called for a protest against citizenship law. In view of this, section 144 was imposed in several districts including Bengaluru. The protesters were taken into custody from Mysore and Kalburgi. Students of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bangalore protested on campus. During this time the students read the preamble of the constitution.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
