Communication gap led to Mangalore violence: Minister

Mangalore, Oct 14 (UNI) Karnataka Labour Minister Iqbal Ansari today said communication gap between the communities was the main cause for the recent communal violence in the city and its suburbs.

Addressing a press conference here after visiting the violence- hit areas in Bantwal and Mangalore taluks of Dakshina Kannada district, he said the elected representatives and local leaders should make efforts to fill the gap and strive for communal harmony and brotherhood by conducting regular peace meetings. Peace was essential as several multinational companies were eyeing the district for investments. Any relapse in violence would definitely have an adverse affect on the possible investments, he cautioned.

The Minister said that during his interaction with the victims, the general complaint was not against politicians or any community, but against some police officials who had allegedly committed atrocities on women. He would submit his report to both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister and urge them to take stern action against the erring officers.

Mr Ansari warned the anti-social elements attempting to disturb peace in the district that the Government would not remain silent.

The law of the land would not allow such elements to escape.

Admitting that the district administration had failed to contain the violence in the initial stage, he, however said in the next two or three days, the administration was able to totally check violence and restore normalcy.

To a query, the Minister said no political leader's name was dragged during his interaction with the victims. If such involvement was found with enough proof, the Government would not spare them, irrespective of party affiliation or community, he added.

UNI MA GD SP MIR RN1959