R. Roshan Baig and B. Ramanath Rai, Ministers, here on Monday appealed to Haj pilgrims to pray for peace in trouble-hit Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada.
Addressing the pilgrims at a farewell programme for those travelling from the airport here on Monday, Mr. Baig [Minister for Urban Development and Haj] said that the communal tension in Kalladka and BC Road should subside. Hate on “both sides” for each other would help none. If lives are lost, parents on both sides would suffer.
Mr. Baig said that “gou rakshakas” were attacking cattle transporters. It is an injustice done to transporters. Pilgrims should pray for good sense to prevail upon them.
The Minister hailed Vishwesha Tirtha, seer of Pejawar Mutt in Udupi, for organising Iftar in Udupi recently. It is a good sign to maintain harmony in society, he said.
Mr. Baig said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced ₹ 10 crore in the 2017-18 budget for building a haj bhavan in Mangaluru.
Of the amount, the government has released ₹ 2.50 crore.
U.T. Khader, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, and B.A. Mohiuddin Bava, MLA from Mangaluru City South, should take interest and ensure that the bhavan was ready in a year.
Mr. Rai said that some of the untoward incidents which took place in Bantwal taluk recently were painful. The pilgrims should pray to the almighty to change the mindset of trouble-makers.
Let all people shun hatred and love to live with harmony, the Minister said.
