Mangalore : The controversial Kadga Diksha programme, wherein 5,000 swords were to be distributed to protect “Hindu Dharma”, was scrapped on Friday by the organisers, All India Hindu Mahasabha, against whom a case was filed in the city.

At a public function here on September 15, Pranavananda Ramaswami, State Executive President of the Mahasabha, said the Kadga Diksha — a pledge, undertaken with a sword in hand — to be held on Friday would arm the youth of the city to protect “Nation, Women and Cow”.

However, this was followed by a complaint by organisations such as Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike that accused the Mahasabha of inciting communities. On September 24, six persons from the Mahasabha had been booked for promoting enmity between communities.

“The programme has not been held, and we have instructed our workers not to do anything outside the purview of the law,” said State Secretary H. Kishore Kumar. Members of the Mahasabha said Mr. Pranavananda had visited the city a few days ago, but left before Friday and cancelled the programme fearing police action. “We conducted it in other places in secret. But have not conducted it here,” said a member.

Police officials said there was no instance of the programme being conducted furtively in the city.