Mangaluru police ban entry of Muslim preacher

Mangaluru: Finally, it is a ‘no’ from the police for Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s programme in Mangaluru.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner S. Murugan on Sunday issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning Dr Naik from entering the police commissionerate limits of Mangaluru and participating in any public meeting or functions for seven days from December 31 to January 6.

Dr Zakir was scheduled to take part in a programme in the city on January 3.

But his entry had been opposed by various Hindu outfits. Right wing organisations had demanded a ban on his entry and declared that they would invite Pravin Togadia if Dr Naik is allowed into the city.

On Sunday, the police finally put an end to the speculation by banning the entry of Dr Naik. Reacting to the ban, Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell told Deccan Chronicle, “Our demand for a ban on his entry has been fulfilled. It is a good decision by the district administration and we welcome it. We had also requested the organisers to stop the programme.”

Muslim Sanghatane Okkuta president K. Ashraf said, “If the administration did not want to give permission it should have made it clear earlier. Now after organisers have made all the preparations, it is not right to ban his entry.”

“Dr Naik is not against any religion. He points out some of the practices of all religion, including Islam,” he said.