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Violence spreads in South Canara

In a fresh bout of violence, three persons were stabbed to death as trouble spread to the neighbouring areas of curfew-bound Suratkal in South Canara district of Karnataka today.

Home Minister Roshan Baig told reporters in Bangalore that three persons died of stab wounds in different places this morning even as Suratkal itself remained incident-free.

Last night, one person died of stab wounds and another of bullet injuries sustained in the police firing. More than 50 people were injured.

Curfew has been extended to other areas as a precautionary measure. Prohibitory orders have also been imposed in the nearby port city of Mangalore, which was tense today with bus services being suspended and stray incidents of stone throwing being reported at Hejmadi-kodi near Mulki.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Jayadevappa Patel, who returned to Bangalore from New Delhi, said anti-social elements were behind the incidents and warned of "stringent action".

Patel is sending a team comprising Law Minister M C Nanaiah, Small-scale Industries Minister Mohideen and Baig to the troubled areas. Director General of Police T Srinivasulu also rushed to the district.

Additional DGP (law and order) T Madiyal and senior police officers are already camping in South Canara. They described the situation as "tense but under control".

Baig said the violence appeared to be organised. The trouble began yesterday with some people backed by the Hindu Jagaran Vedike and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad resorting to a road blockade to demand action against those involved in eve-teasing.

Srinivasulu said curfew would be extended till tomorrow evening as a precautionary measure.

Bharatiya Janata Party legislators K Sundar Rao, Yogish Bhat, and Balakrishna Bhat condemned yesterday's police firing and demanded action against those who instigated the violence.

Congress politician B Janardhana Poojary and the Janata Dal's M D Sadashiv appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony.

UNI

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