Mosque covered with curtains during RSS centenary procession in Bagalkote

• Incident reported from Bagalkote, Karnataka

• A mosque in Bagalkote was covered with large curtains by the police as a precautionary measure during a procession organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

• Precautionary step taken following last month’s stone pelting during Shiv Jayanti procession

A mosque in Bagalkote is covered with large curtains

Bagalkote (Karnataka) – In view of last month’s incident in which stones and footwear were allegedly hurled from the Panka Mosque during a Shiv Jayanti procession, the police adopted preventive measures during the RSS centenary procession held on 1 March under the banner ‘Kesari Shakti Pradarshan’.

As part of these measures, the Panka Mosque and certain shops owned by members of the Muslim community situated opposite it were covered with large curtains to prevent any provocation or untoward incident. Heavy police deployment and strict vigilance were maintained throughout the route. The city wore a festive look, with saffron arches, banners, and flags installed at various locations.

More than 5,000 Hindu activists participated in the event. The procession moved directly past the Panka Mosque under stringent security arrangements.

Former MP P.C. Gaddigoudar, former MLA Veeranna Charantimath, and several other dignitaries participated in the procession.

The procession featured tableaux portraying eminent personalities from different sections of society, children dressed in traditional attire, and performances of ‘Dollu Kunitha’ (traditional drum dance), ‘Halage’, ‘Karadi Majalu’, and other indigenous musical displays.

The grand procession, which commenced from the Venkateshwar temple in the city, passed through Killa Kttalesh Temple, Tanga Stand, M.G. Road and Basaveshwar Circle, before culminating at the Basaveshwar College ground.

Editorial Perspective

The fact that the Congress government’s Karnataka Police did not impose a ban on the Hindu procession is no small matter. However, adopting such superficial measures amounts merely to buying time. Fundamentally, the doctrine of ‘Qital-fi-Sabilillah’ — which refers to armed struggle for the protection of Islam- is itself mentioned in the teachings of anti-kafir elements. Therefore, unless this root cause is addressed, attacks on Hindus will continue in one form or another.