Bengaluru/Udupi

Amidst increasing incidents of communal strife in Karnataka, former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on Monday advised right-wing groups to show restraint and “allow the Muslim brethren to lead a life of dignity”.

“It is our desire that both Hindus and Muslims should live like children of the same mother. But some miscreants are trying to disturb this. The Chief Minister has already issued a strict warning to them,” he said.

“I want to give a piece of advice to them [groups disturbing communal peace] to stop such things and focus on their work,” Mr. Yediyurappa told media persons in Bengaluru on Monday.

“Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has already issued a warning to them that legal action would be taken and the Government would not tolerate such acts. He has made it clear that the Government is keen to see that there is peaceful co-existence,” he said.

‘We know how to protect State’

Meanwhile, speaking at Udupi, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the Government would not tolerate anyone taking law into their own hands or indulging in violence. “This message has been sent out very clearly,” the Chief Minister said. “Ours is a peaceful progressive State. We know how to protect this State. We will show it through our deeds.”

Reacting to the Opposition’s charge about the “inaction” on his part, Mr. Bommai said: “My actions are speaking, not me. We know what decisions should be taken and what action to be taken at what time. I need not learn any lessons from them. These are the people who dropped cases against those who were facing direct charges of murder. Where was their duty consciousness then?” Mr. Bommai asked.