Shivamogga: Frictions vitiate PFI programme, one killed, five injured

Shivamogga, Feb 20: After verbal frictions which arose between two different groups during the Ekatha Jatha for Democracy(unity march) organized in the town by Popular Front of India (PFI) on Thursday February 19 turned violent and took an ugly turn, policemen interfered and clamped prohibitory orders. The situation in the town continues to be tense. Five people were injured in group clashes, while five others were injured in caning. The programme was organized by PFI on its founding day. Situation turned grave in the district after some PFI activists returning to Mangaluru after the meeting attacked a person named Vishwanath (40), a resident of Alkola village near Gajanur Camp in the district. Vishwanath, who was assaulted with lethal weapons, was grievously injured, and died on way to hospital. During PFI's 'Unity March' programme in the town, a group questioned about the raising of certain slogans which they found to be objectionable. The other group did not agree. This gave rise to tense moments, and at one stage, the two groups seemed to be headed for a pitched battle after heated words were exchanged between them. Two groups — RSS and PFI — clashed after some sloganeering against each other and violence erupted. Around 15 shops, houses and vehicles were burnt by the angry mob. The police imposed Section 144 around 8.30 pm. Till the latest news, the police had asked the PFI activists, who had come from Mangaluru and Kerala, to return. Police also resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mob near Shivappa circle. Six rounds of tear gas was also fired in the air by the police. The administration has declared holiday in schools and colleges.   Agencies