Bhatkal: A peace meeting was held in Bhatkal on Saturday under the chairmanship of in-charge Assistant Commissioner Divya Rani, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Ugadi, and Tair habba or Chariot festivals. The meeting was attended by representatives of various religious communities, police officials, and other prominent personalities.
During the meeting, leaders emphasized that festivals are celebrated every year, and people of different faiths in Bhatkal have always observed their respective festivals peacefully. However, the most pressing concern for the public at the moment is the incomplete and substandard construction work on the National Highway, which has been causing frequent accidents.
Representing the Muslim community, President of Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, Inayatullah Shabandari, raised the issue of the National Highway’s condition. Non-Muslim leaders also supported his concerns, urging the administration to take immediate action to address the problems caused by the unfinished roadwork. Inayatullah Shabandari stated, "Lives are being lost, and people are getting injured due to the incomplete highway work, yet the administration has remained silent on this critical issue." Non-Muslim representatives echoed the demand, insisting that the government take swift measures to complete the pending work and resolve public grievances regarding the highway.
The leaders assured that they would celebrate their respective festivals in a peaceful and traditional manner, and there were no disputes between the communities regarding the celebrations.
Bhatkal DySP Mahesh KP welcomed all the leaders and noted that Ugadi would be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, followed by Eid-ul-Fitr, depending on the moon sighting, and Tair habba shortly after. He urged all religious leaders to ensure that the festivals are observed peacefully and harmoniously.
Town Municipal Council (TMC) In-charge President, Mohiuddin Altaf Kharuri, stated that "Eid-ul-Fitr namaz will be held at the Eidgah at 7:15 AM, following a procession from the Jama Masjid at 6:40 AM. After the sermon, all individuals will return to their homes within an hour."
Speaking about Tair habba, Namdhari community leader M R Naik and Auto Rickshaw Union leader Venkatesh Naik emphasized that the festival has long symbolized Hindu-Muslim unity. They recalled that during British rule, when attempts were made to ban Tair habba, the Chirkeen Shabandari family intervened and secured permission for the festival by depositing a significant amount of ₹500, a large sum at that time. Since then, the festival has been celebrated with a procession, where sweets are distributed, and Muslim families are invited to participate.
The meeting also highlighted the need to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the festivals. HESCOM Assistant Engineer Manjunath was instructed to prevent any power disruptions, while Municipal Chief Officer Venkatesh Nauda was directed to make proper sanitation arrangements for Eid celebrations.
Sirsi Assistant Commissioner Divya Rani, who also holds responsibility for Bhatkal, took note of all concerns raised in the meeting and assured that immediate steps would be taken to complete the unfinished work on the National Highway. The meeting was attended by Bhatkal Tahsildar Nagendra Shetty, Circle Police Inspector Santosh Kaikini, PSI Naveen Naik, and other officials.
Representing both communities, Abdul Raqeeb MJ Nadvi, General Secretary of Tanzeem, along with Jilani Shabandari, Councillors Abdul Rauf Naite, SM Parvez, and Munir Bhai, along with Namdhari Samaj president, Arun Naik, President of Shri Channapattan temple committee Shridhar Moger, other leaders Shridhar Naik, Shantaram, and several other representatives were also present. The meeting concluded smoothly with mutual understanding and cooperation.