Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070452080300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Muslim leaders appeal for a healing touch

R. Krishna Kumar and Shankar Bennur

Greater interaction between communities sought

Majority of the people living in the riot-hit areas are daily-wage earners
Muslim leaders seek cancellation of licences of liquor shops in the area

MYSORE: The outbreak of communal violence in the old areas of Mysore — the second in the last three months — has jolted the Muslim community leaders who vouch by the tradition of peaceful co-existence and amity that underlined the social fabric of Mysore for centuries.

Calling for a healing touch and introspection among different sections of society, the leaders suggested initiatives to bridge the gulf among different groups and to eradicate suspicion which is the root cause of violence. The initiative includes more people-to-people contact and greater interaction among leaders to prevent recurrence of such incidents. They also suggested forming a coordination committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner.

Speaking to The Hindu, Shabir Ahmed Khan, former chairman of the Mysore District Wakf Advisory Committee, said: “Mysore has a history of peace and religious amity but a few hands are instigating misguided youth, a majority of whom are unemployed or illiterate. Leaders of both communities should step in to arrest this trend.”

Sayid Rahmatullah, ex-member of the Wakf Board, also agreed with him, and added:“More than 90 per cent of the people living in Kyatamaranahalli, Shanti Nagar and Ghousia Nagar, irrespective of their religious affiliation, are daily-wage earners, who work in hotels, garages, as hawkers and vendors. They are the most vulnerable section of the society and are among the worst hit though they are in no way involved with the breakout of violence,” he added. For instance, the three people who died on Thursday were on their way to work and were oblivious of the unfolding events.

Abdul Khudoos, a member of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee minority cell, drew the attention of the presence of liquor shops in and around Kyatamaranahalli, Ghousia Nagar and Shanti Nagar in Udayagiri police station limits. He said youth under the influence of alcohol get swayed easily. “We have sought the cancellation of licences of these liquor shops which have become a den for anti-social elements. Unless there is a crackdown, it would be difficult to wean away the youth to more constructive work,” he added.