Udupi: Police detained several activists of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) on Friday after they staged a protest against a three-day ‘Samadhana Mahotsav’ organised by the Fellowship of Churches. The activists opposed the participation of speaker Mohan C Lazarus, alleging that the event could be used to promote religious conversions.
Protest over alleged conversion concerns
The demonstrators raised objections to the religious programme, claiming that such gatherings could potentially be misused for conversion activities. They demanded that authorities closely monitor the proceedings and take strict action if any content was found to hurt Hindu sentiments.
Despite these concerns, organisers had obtained prior court permission to conduct the event under specific conditions, allowing the programme to go ahead as scheduled.
Police intervene to prevent escalation
As the protestors attempted to march towards the venue of the event, police intervened and stopped them midway to avoid any possible confrontation. Following this, the activists assembled at Govinda Kalyana Mantapa, where they continued their protest demonstration.
To maintain law and order, police detained the protestors and shifted them to the Manipal police station. Officials later released them after ensuring that the situation remained under control.
Leadership and demands
The protest was led by Srikanth Shetty, who reiterated the group’s demand for vigilance against any activities that could disturb communal harmony. The activists insisted that authorities must act promptly if any violations occur during the event.
Tight security arrangements
In view of the sensitive nature of the issue, police deployed tight security in and around the venue. Additional personnel were stationed at key points to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
The security operation was led by Udupi town police inspector Mahesh Prasad, who oversaw arrangements to maintain peace and order throughout the event.
Conclusion
The timely intervention by police helped prevent escalation during the protest, ensuring that the event proceeded under supervision and within legal parameters. Authorities remain vigilant as the programme continues, with an emphasis on maintaining communal harmony and public order.