Karnataka govt not for ban on Bajrang Dal

Bhadrapad Krushna Saptami

Bangalore (Karnataka): BJP government in Karnataka today rejected demands for a ban on Bajrang Dal, one of the Sangh Parivar outfits which was accused of carrying out attacks on churches and prayer halls in the state.
However, Yeddyurappa directed officials to ban all processions irrespective of communities in trouble prone areas.

"There are no plans to ban Bajrang Dal activities. But the government will initiate firm action against those responsible for attacks on churches and prayer halls," Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa told at a press meet held in the Shirgao village after launching the ‘Janaspandana’ programme.

Yeddyurappa after returning to the city had a video conference with top officials of the districts of Mangalore, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Kolar and Shimoga at which he reviewed the law and order situation.

"Tomorrow is Sunday. Provide a fool proof security cover to all churches and places of worship of minority communities.

"No untoward incident should be allowed to happen during mass prayers," Yeddyurappa, who returned here from a two-day tour of parts of the state and after launching his government’s first ever ‘janaspandana’ programme in Belgaum district, said.

He told the officials that there were attempts to destabilise his government and the opposition parties have hatched a "conspiracy" in this regard.

"Those vitiating peace should be dealt with sternly in order to maintain the fair image of Karnataka as a peace loving state", he said.

Source: Press Trust of India