The politics in the district is now often played out on the knife-edge of the divide between Hindus and Muslims. Several new flashpoints for communal violence have emerged from the issue of transportation of cows in violation of a state law to eve teasing to inter-religious relationships.

The deep distrust between Hindus and Muslims has been heightened by the perception of the minorities of the local administration’s bias against them, since the BJP is the partner of the Janata Dal Secular in the state coalition government and Mangalore district is under the charge of a BJP minister. On the flipside, the mayor of Mangalore city is Congress’ K Ashraf.

There are complaints that the police force in the district has very little representation from the minority community. Also that extreme right wing Hindu forces are being given a free hand to romp around the Mangalore countryside, stopping illegal cow transportation, inter-religious love affairs and settling disputes vigilante style.

“There is a feeling in a section of the youth in Mangalore that they can get away with anything. They have a feeling of security, that has to change,” says Sulaiman. “We have been asking the elders from both communities to reign in their youth. This hasn’t happened. It’s the 15-25 year olds that have been causing the violence. There’s too much over reaction on issues like cow transportation,’’ says district superintendent of police B Dayanand.

“The issue of cow transport and slaughter has been pending for long. At a peace committee meeting of both communities held 15 days ago there were assurances that some of our concerns will be addressed by Muslims themselves that has not happened,” RSS worker Madhav Bhandary told a peace committee meeting held after the violence.

... contd.