Mangaluru: “Curfew will be relaxed today between 3 PM and 6 PM,” said Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, on Saturday, December 21.

He was addressing the press in Mangaluru after being briefed by the top officials on the law and order situation in the city.

“Curfew will be reinforced tonight and relaxed again tomorrow during the day time. The curfew will once again be enforced tomorrow night,” he added.

Speaking further, he said, “From Monday, there will be no curfew, but section 144 will continue. However, measures will be taken to ensure peace in the district. Measures will also be taken to ensure that no problems occur during Christmas celebrations.”

About the police firing that occurred on Thursday, the CM said, “Investigations will be conducted to find out the truth about the violence that occurred in Mangaluru. As miscreants took the law into their own hands, it was inevitable that the police started with firing and lathi-charging the protesters.”

About the victims, he said, “Compensation, as per the law, will be provided to the bereaved. The Deputy Commissioner will make a decision in this regard. Houses will be constructed for the families of the victims who died in the violence, if they don’t already have a proper house.”

When asked about the failure of the police in managing peace in the city, the CM said, “Let us wait for the investigation report.”

Condemning the detention of Kerala journalists by the Managluru police, the CM said that the incident would be probed to find out what exactly happened.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was also present alleged, “MLA U T Khader’s ‘fire’ statement led to violence in the Dakshina Kannada district. Within 24 hours after his remark, violence broke out in Mangaluru. This is the first time in the city’s history that miscreants indulged in stone pelting while covering their face, just like in the Kashmir violence. Congress leaders are instigating violence.”

She also blamed the PFI for the violence.

DCM Govind Karajol, MLC and district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, MLAs Bharath Shetty, Sanjeeva Matandoor, Vedavyas Kamath and Umanath Kotian and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and others were present.