Azaan row: Build-up of communal tensions state govt’s fault, says DK Shivkumar

By NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivkumar on Monday blamed the BJP government in the state for the build-up of communal tensions ahead of the implementation of the Supreme Court order on Azaan or the Islamic call for prayer.

The comments come in the backdrop of Sri Rama Sene founder Pramod Muthalik launching a movement to play Hanuman Chalisa and Suprabahata (a Morning Prayer chant) at 5 am at the same time as the Azaan on Monday. The Allahabad High Court had on Friday ruled that Azaan five times a day was essential to Islam but broadcasting the call over loudspeakers was not in its response to a petition.

"The Supreme Court has already issued a judgment on the Azaan issue. The police have also issued a notice on the same. Our party leaders have met the chief minister and made an appeal to him. It is his responsibility to act on this. Some people are deliberately trying to instigate a fight in this matter. This is the government’s failure. If this isn’t stopped, then communal tensions will increase in the state,” he said.

“The chief minister and the home minister must ensure peace in the state,” Shivkumar added. He said that police should do everything to prevent any possibility of communal violence in Bengaluru.

Responding to BJP State president Nalin Kumar Kateel’s comment that “Congress’ agenda was corruption and terrorism,” he said that the BJP government was in shambles and should focus on its own shortcomings. “After every break of dawn it seems, a new scam of the government comes to light. In yesterdays’ news, I saw that government posts were being given at certain prices. What right do they have to blame us?” Shivkumar asked.

"There is a Supreme Court order on Azaan. It applies to everyone. I have given clear instructions on the matter. We have seen what is happening in other states. There is a High Court order on how to implement the Supreme Court order. I have directed that the orders should be strictly followed. I have discussed the matter with my officers. I will once again tell them the same in plain terms," said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Those who are trying to set fire to society, people like Pramod Mutalik, should be put in jail. Otherwise, it will be difficult to maintain peace in public spaces,” said JD(S) president HD Kumaraswamy.
 

Araga talks tough
Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Monday warned of strict action against those who violate the regulations on noise levels. The comments come in the backdrop of Sri Ram Sene founder Pramod Muthalik launching a movement to play Hanuman Chalisa and Suprabahata (a Morning Prayer chant) at the same time as the Azaan in Mysuru on Monday. Jnanendra said that he would “not hesitate to resort to harsh measures”against those who try to break the law in this regard. He added that the state government would “control any activity that causes noise pollution and strict action will be taken against those violating the Supreme Court’s orders.” He has been under fire for his handling of the Chandru road rage case and the police sub-inspector (PSI) recruitment scam.

Maintain peace: Ameer-e-shariat
Ameer-e-shariat Karnataka Moulana Sagheer Ahmed on Monday called upon Muslims in the state to maintain peace in the backdrop of the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement regarding Azaan on speakers. “If any mischief mongers make their way into the city and try to instigate trouble, they will be dealt with an iron hand. Please exercise caution, patience and do not take the law into your hands. If someone plays Hanuman Chalisa or bhajan in front of the mosque, then men especially youth (of the Muslim community) must exercise patience and must not retaliate. On the contrary, people of the locality and people tasked with upkeep of the mosque should get together and seek legal action through the police,” he said.