Ban orders in Mangalore, 3 Bajrang Dal activists held

Mangalore, Sep 14 (UNI) Ban orders were imposed in the city following protests against the attack on at least seven places of worship in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka today.

Three fresh incidents were reported in Udupi district, where miscreants attacked places of worship in Udupi, Sirur in Kundapur and Karkal town.

The miscreants also attacked places of worship in Kodical, Kulur, Kankanadi and Milagris, police said.

Five people said to be Bajrang Dal activists had been arrested by the police in the two districts.

Tension prevailed as people in groups protested against the attacks which led to suspension of bus services in the coastal cities of Mangalore and Udupi.

Authorities clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr PC in Mangalore city as a precautionary measure. Security was beefed up at vulnerable places.

Miscreants ransacked the places of worship by breaking every item. Debris were found strewn all around in a couple of places while window panes were smashed in some other places.

In the afternoon youths blocked several roads at several points in the city disrupting vehicular traffic. Police resorted to a mild lathi charge to dispurse them.

Bus services between Mangalore and Udupi were disrupted for some time following road block.

A large group of people shouted slogans against the BJP government in Karnataka and district administration.

They were enraged after they found a statue vandalised in one of the places, which were attacked.

Vehicular traffic was severely disrupted in the city. The most busy Hampanakatta circle junction wore deserted look.

In response to protesters' demand, shop keepers downed the shutters. The protesters also blocked the National Highway 17 at Thokkuttu Junction for some time.

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