The Kodagu district administration recently held a peace meeting between the two groups to resolve the conflict regarding entrance to Sri Maha Mrityunjaya temple in Kattemadu village of Madikeri taluk.
The district administration heard the views of Kodava Samaj Federation, Gowda Samaj Federation and Sri Maha Mrityanjaya Temple Management Board in the meeting which was held for more than three hours.
After the meeting Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Venkat Raja speaking with the media informed that the leaders of the temple management board have requested time till next Monday to resolve the confusion in the bylaw of the temple and added that a period of seven days has been set for the final decision.
Since the management board of Sri Maha Mrityunjaya Temple informed that it needs seven days time to take a decision, everyone has agreed to this decision. Kodagu DC further said that Kodagu is a garden of peace for all races and today’s decision was happily accepted in the meeting and added that the district administration will also take appropriate action by taking everyone into confidence in the coming days.
DC also said that the district administration and the district police department are committed in maintaining law and order. As of now, the prohibition order under Section 163 is in force till January 2nd as a precautionary measure and continuation of this will be considered, if necessary, DC added. DC also clarified that the usual rituals will be held in the temple till next Monday.
The Deputy Commissioner also opined that the people of Kodagu are peace-loving so they are confident that a good decision will come out by consensus in the meeting to be held next Monday.
Speaking on the occasion Kodagu District Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Ramarajan said that the district administration has given a week’s time as per the request of the temple management board. A consensus decision at a later meeting would be welcome. SP further clarifies that the police department will not allow any protest or entry into the temple and added that legal action will be taken if there is a deliberate attempt to break the peace.
If the decision taken in the meeting is not agreed upon by any groups,then there is an opportunity to go to court, where justice can be sought and SP further clarified that action will be taken on those who breaks the law and peace
The SP also said that since the district administration has given a week’s time to take a suitable decision and those who were present in the meeting also agreed to this, they are confident that the protests will be withdrawn all over Kodagu.
