Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in all the districts of Karnataka have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure peaceful celebration of ‘Hosathodaku’ (the day after Ugadi, which falls on Sunday), Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
This instruction comes amidst a campaign by Hindutva groups, such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, urging Hindus to shun halal meat during the festival. There have been instances of Muslim traders being attacked during such campaigns.
“Festivals should be celebrated without any disruption in law and order,” Mr. Bommai said in response to a question from mediapersons. Official have been instructed to hold peace meetings in their areas to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival, he said.
The campaign targeting Muslim traders in Karnataka has attracted condemnation by civil society groups and a section of the business community.
