Mangaluru: The State government has yet again denied permission to organize Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s programme in the city.

Dr Naik’s programme has been postponed over and over again on the past three occasions with the state government denying permission due to various reasons.

It was first put off on December 27 due to legislative council election. Vishwa Hindu Parishat leaders opposed the programme to be held on January 2.

A delegation of South Karnataka Salafi Movement met the home minister to sought permission again for organizing the programme in April. But they were again denied permission citing reasons like intelligence inputs and opposition from Muslim leaders in Congress party.

Vice president of South Karnataka Salafi Movement’s central committee, Ismail Shaffi has stated that the State government has betrayed the trust of Muslims in them nad also have robbed them of religious freedom.