MYSURU, 14 MARCH

Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy convened a meeting on Friday with Hindu and Muslim community leaders regarding the reopening of a mosque in the sensitive Kyathamaranahalli area of the Narasimharaja assembly segment. The location has a troubled history, having been the site of communal tension that led to the murder of right-wing activist Raju eight years ago.

The court has mandated that the Deputy Commissioner resolve the issue, prompting the meeting, which was held under heavy police security at the DC’s office. Hindu community leaders urged Reddy to maintain peace and prevent the mosque's reopening, while Muslim representatives argued that the building is not a mosque but a madrasa.

Among those present were City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar and DCP N Mutturaj. Officers conducted individual discussions with community leaders, where some submitted written statements, while others spoke directly to the Deputy Commissioner. Notably, Munavar Pasha, the petitioner seeking the madrasa's reopening, did not attend.

After the meeting, Hindu leader Shivakumar advocated for maintaining the status quo, citing past incidents related to the disputed site. Meanwhile, Muslim leader Shoukat Ali called on former MP Pratap Simha to refrain from making provocative remarks and emphasised their commitment to operating the madrasa without causing disturbances.