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Patil asks Karnataka to restore peace

NEW DELHI: Turning his attention to Karnataka where attacks on Christians, their prayer halls and churches have continued, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Saturday visited Bangalore and cautioned the State government to be “more careful” and restore peace and normality in violence-affected areas.

The note of caution was sounded by Mr. Patil after he reviewed the situation with Governor Rameshwar Thakur, a Home Ministry spokesperson said. Mr. Patil also met State Home Minister, Law Minister, Chief Secretary and Director-General of Police.

Several parts of Karnataka had witnessed a series of attacks on churches and members of the Christian community, allegedly by activists of Sangh Parivar organisations. A two-member high-level Central team had also visited Karnataka and advised the State government on deployment of police and Central forces and creating a conducive atmosphere for return of peace.

In response to a number of advisories sent by the Home Ministry, the BJP government in Karnataka has maintained that it was doing its best to control the situation. It described the violence a “law and order problem” created by some miscreants and anti-social elements.

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