Communal flare-up: Nagamangala in Mandya district tense but peaceful

NT, Mysuru: Mandya district police have detained more than 54 persons in connection with the violence which happened in Nagamangala town in the district late on Wednesday. Clashes between two groups belonging to different communities, broke out in front of a dargah on Mysuru Road when youth of the town were taking part in a Ganesh idol immersion procession.Stone pelting followed in which policemen were injured while roadside shops were set on fire leading to a tense situation. Following the clashes, police have moved a strong force to the town to maintain peace.

Shops remained closed on Thursday while schools were given a holiday after the arson. Senior police officers have rushed to the spot and prohibitory orders have been clamped from Wednesday night till September 28 Mandya District In-charge Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy who visited the town on Thursday, warned that stern action will be initiated against those who tried to disturb social harmony. He interacted with local shopkeepers, garage owners, eye witnesses and local residents. Describing this incident as unfortunate, the minister said that the government will make all efforts to restore harmony in the town.

Chaluvarayaswamy said he has given orders to district officials to assess the damage and list the houses and shops that were damaged so that compensation can be given to those affected and traders after a discussion with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He also said that he has instructed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to conduct a peace meeting in the town in the next two days to restore normalcy and appealed to Opposition leaders to stop politicizing the issue. The minister who met the protesters from both groups, outside Nagamangala Police Station, urging the police to release innocent persons who were arrested after the violence. The police are verifying CCTV footage of the incident for the purpose, he added. State leaders of the BJP including state president BY Vijayendra, and others visited the town in the evening.