Newskarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore: Karnataka Home Minister KJ George has commended the police department for efficiently handling the recent disturbances in Ullal region.

Addressing press persons at Circuit House in the city on February 12, Wednesday, the Home Minister said the Police Department has also been asked to take firm steps to avert such incidents.

The Minister further said the Ullal incidents cannot be described as communal violence. He said it was more of a clash between individuals.  The Home Minister also alleged that some vested interests tried  to give  a communal colour to the  incidents to pursue their political interests.

KJ George who also spoke at the DK District Congress Office later, said moral policing incidents will be dealt with a firm hand. He also sought public co-operation in tackling such cases.

The Home Minister also delved on the Naxal issue and said the ANF will tackle the menace  effectively if the Naxals are not ready to  shun arms and violence.

The Minister said he was aware of the threatening calls received by some businessmen in the region from underworld forces and said as some of the accused criminal elements were based outside India, the Interpol has been provided information regarding the cases.

He said for the first time during the past four years, the government has appointed 8500 personnel to the Police Department.

Karnataka Minister for Youth Services Abhayachandra Jain, MLA JR Lobo, Congress leaders Shashishar Hegde, Ibrahim, PV Mohan and others were present.

Home Minister KJ George later held talks with Western Range IGP Pratap Reddy.