Social activist M.G. Hegde on Friday said that the recent clashes in Bantwal taluk were not owing to a rift between religions, but rather one between two organisations.
Leaders of different communities should come together to address the issue, he felt.
Mr. Hegde told reporters here that the two murder victims, Ashraf Kalai and Sharath Madiwala, were not involved in any incident and had been leading a quiet life.
There was no reason to target such innocent people, he felt and urged the government to pay at least ₹25 lakh each to the kin of the victims.
The ongoing tension in Bantwal has not only affected the life of common man, but has brought a bad name to the district. The government should act tough against individuals and organisations fomenting trouble, he demanded.
MLA’s plea
Meanwhile, J.R. Lobo, Mangaluru South MLA, made a fervent appeal for the restoration of peace in the region saying that continued violence was detrimental to the development of the district.
In a release here, Mr. Lobo said the district is known for communal harmony and that should not be tarnished for petty political gains.
At a time when Mangaluru is becoming a smart city and is declared one of the best cities to live in, continued unrest would affect the city’s image too, he added.
