Mangaluru: Mangalore North MLA Mohiuddin Bava on Thursday said that the he is being projected as an anti-Hindu MLA by few miscreants, with ulterior motive. “I have not protected any person, who was involved in the Ulaibettu clash. Some people with vested interests are spoiling my name, claiming that I belong to Muslim community alone”, he told reporters here in the city. 

Elaborating on the incident which led to communal clash, Mr. Bava said that he had sanctioned nearly Rs. 3 crores to construct a concrete road in Ulaibettu, which was in bad condition. “We were supposed to inaugurate the road on December 15. Hence, when a section of the people wanted to use it, another group asked not to use it until its cured, which led to a clash. The issue was subsequently compromised with both the parties”, he explained.

Subsequently, there was an attack and I did not stop the police from arresting the miscreants. “The police arrested 22 minorities. They are in jail. Did I influence the police?, Bava asked. 

When I am involved in the developmental activities of the region, few miscreants are trying to spoil my image. I am being projected as a Muslim MLA, limited to one community. I’ am hurt, when I am tagged as anti-Hindu, he said.

On the escalation of violence after communal clash, the MLA asked the public not to fall prey for the rumor mongers. “I have requested Chief Minister Siddaramaih to deploy additional police personnel and implement Rapid Action Force (RCF), due to the rise in communal violence. My concern is to protect the innocents, irrespective of their religion and caste, he said.

He said there has been a conspiracy to disturb communal harmony in the district. It will indirectly harm us. “The district is known as a touristic and educational hub. Such incidences malign district’s image”, he said.

Those who indulged in instigating communal hatred, irrespective of their religion must be arrested at the earliest, he said and requested the police department to act on it.