Udupi SP tells cops to fire in self-defence if needed

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sept. 17, 2015:  Speaking at a meeting with the religious leaders, in view of the forthcoming Ganeshotsava and Bakrid festival in the city, the SP said that checkposts would be set up across the district.   SP  Annamalai said that he directed police personnel to open fire in self-defence if they were attacked by illegal cattle transporters and law breakers.

He appealed to the people of different communities to celebrate the festivals in accordance with the norms. He promised all support to the celebrations and said unnecessary meetings and processions in the name of festivals would not be tolerated.

Asserting that provocative action from any community members will be considered as a serious offence, Annamalai said that illegal cattle transport in the district should be stopped.   The action against the lawbreakers will be ruthless and merciless. He added that the policemen who were appointed for vigilance at the checkposts had been given arms to be used in retaliation against offenders who fired at them, he added.

The Superintendent of Police also urged people not to believe rumours transmitted through social media. Responding to a request, Annamalai said that police officials would keep a watch on people who  harass people during festivals by begging.

The fire tenders will be placed on standby during celebrations in the city to avoid major mishaps.

The police officers concerned should maintain law and order at Adi Udupi, where the Ganeshotsava celebrations are held near a mosque. Responding to a request for stopping of devotional songs during the celebrations when ’Namaz’ was offered by muslims in the mosque.

He said as many as 406 idols would be installed in the district and 403 will be immersed by September 23. One each at Padubidri, Kundapur and Udupi will be immersed later.