Bantwal: The taluk of Bantwal has the ‘glory’ of being one of the most communally sensitive areas in the state. Following a series of obnoxious incidents, one month ago the prohibitory orders under Section 144 were slammed.

The problem erupted when two youth were slashed in Kalladka region. Following this Assistant Commissioner Renuka Prasad imposed prohibitory orders here, but the move was of little use as plans of murder, attempt to murder and assaults were executed swiftly despite the section in place. Now, it is being said that the orders may remain in place for another two weeks.

Though, initially the orders were slammed between May 27 to June 2 it was then extended from June 3 to June 9, then from June 10 to June 16, from June 17 to June 23 and now from June 23 to June 29.

The entire region has turned into a fort with police keeping a tight vigil. The police security was beefed up in trouble-prone Kalladka, B C Road, Kaikamba, Vittal-Kanyana area. Melkar, Mani, Farangipet, Bantwal town too were under watch.

However, the salt on the wound was the murder of local SDPI leader named Mohommed Ashraf. With Ashraf’s killing sparking tension in the region, KSRP platoons from Udupi, and Chikkamagaluru districts were pressed into action and Chikkamagaluru SP Annamalai was made the security in-charge of the district. DySPs, Circle Inspectors and Sub Inspectors from Udupi and Chikkamagaluru were called in and were given security supervision duties.

Post Kalladka incident, several police officials had to face the music for their failure in controlling the situation. While some were transferred many were sent on leave. For the first time in the history of Bantwal, the Inspector General of Police (Western Range) was seen camping at the local police station to control the situation.

Amidst all this, the common man in Bantwal lived under constant fear, irrespective of his caste affiliation.

All in all, the undercurrents in Bantwal still signal tension as the locals feel that the bloodshed may not end here.