Sindhagi Town Tense as Pakistan Flag is Hoisted

Sindhagi (Bijapur) - 02 Jan 2012 (DHNS): Tension prevailed in the town, 60 km from Bijapur, due to protests by pro-Hindu groups on Sunday, after the hoisting of a Pakistani flag by miscreants on the flag post at the mini Vidhana Soudha premises - which house the offices of the tahsildar and government departments came to light.

The flag was allegedly hoisted on Saturday midnight during New Year celebration in the town. Members of pro-Hindu organisations gathered at the Basaveshwara Circle and held a protest. Hundreds of youth gathered at the spot, set tyres on fire and blocked the road.

Two to three private vehicles were damaged as the youth pelted them with stones. A bus belonging to the State transport corporation, plying from Mangalore to Sindhagi, also faced the wrath of the miscreants.

Activists of the pro-Hindu groups later removed the Pakistani flag from the flag post. Police have seized the flag. The agitated youth took the tahsildar to task for not taking precautionary measures to prevent such incidents. They demanded that those behind the flag hoisting incident be arrested at the earliest.

Youth lathicharged

Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the youth who were taking out a procession, shouting slogans, in protest against the incident of flag hoisting. As a result, many were injured.

The police asked traders to close shops and business establishments in the town. The weekly shanty was also cancelled. A bundh-like atmosphere prevailed in the town till afternoon. With bus services suspended till evening, vegetable sellers and middleclass traders from the villages had a tough time returning to their places.

Superintendent of Police, DC Rajappa and incharge Deputy Commissioner Kashinath Pawar visited the spot, promised to hold talks with the protestors and arrest the accused. Rajappa said locals tried to manhandle him.

Taken into custody

Police have taken some persons into custody, but no arrests have been made. They have initiated security measures and the situation is returning to normalcy. Pro-Hindu groups have given a bundh call in the town on Monday. Meanwhile, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishat and Bajrang Dal held a protest in Bijapur, against the hoisting of the flag.