BJP urges government to instruct Dakshina Kannada police not to disturb festival events

Opposition BJP members on Wednesday demanded that the State government instruct police officers of the Dakshina Kannada district not to “harass” the public and organisers of festival-related events, citing timings and decibel limits of mikes.

D. Vedavyasa Kamath (BJP) raised the issue during the Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly and said on the day of the Krishna Janmashtami, a few days ago, the police seized mikes and sound systems, claiming that the event should not be held after 10 p.m.

Other BJP members and Speaker U.T. Khader also supported Mr. Kamath. They said that the police should handle the issue carefully, as many festivals are being celebrated at night in the district.

Festivals such as Bhootha Kola, Yakshagana, Urs of Muslims, Christmas mass, and several other temple festivals are celebrated at night in the district, BJP members said, and the Speaker endorsed it.

The Speaker said the police should strike a balance between traditions and law, and ensure that law and order is maintained.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok and other BJP members said Ganesha Chaturthi will be celebrated next week. The public sentiments should be respected, and police should refrain from seizing mikes and sound systems.

V. Sunil Kumar (BJP) asked the government to revoke an order issued not to install Ganesha idols in government schools in Dakshina Kannada district. Generally, the public keeps Ganesha idols on government school premises in the district to enable people to gather without any difficulty, he said.