Former BJP district president Manu Muthappa has urged that those disturbing peace and communal harmony be externed from Kodagu district.
Addressing a press conference, he alleged that assault incidents over trivial reasons have become common in Napoklu, creating an atmosphere of fear. Referring to a recent incident, he claimed that a worker named Gautham, who had come in his own vehicle to make preparations for a Hindu Sangama programme, was attacked. After purchasing materials from a supermarket in Napoklu and coming out, a group of youths who arrived in an Alto car reportedly questioned whether he had the courage to tie a saffron flag to his vehicle and claimed that “Napoklu belongs to us,” before allegedly assaulting him.
Manu Muthappa demanded that those attempting to disrupt communal harmony in the area be expelled from the district. He further alleged that the Napoklu Block Congress president is an influential person and that no case is registered at the police station without his consent. Reacting to a reported challenge by Ismail to take an oath at the Makki Shasthavu temple, Manu Muthappa said Ismail should not come to the temple, adding that his presence would disturb its sanctity.
Gram Panchayat member Pradeep, who also spoke at the press conference, said that if injustice is condemned irrespective of party or religion, peace can be maintained in society.
Parane Gram Panchayat president Katti Kushalappa, Ballamavati Gram Panchayat member Manavattira Harish Kushalappa, and others including Shivachaliyanda Jagadish and ChangetiraSomanna were present at the press conference.
