Mangaluru : Social activist M.G. Hegde on Friday said that the recent clashes in Bantwal taluk were not owing to a rift between religions, but rather one between two organisations.

Addressing the press here Hegde said, Who will answer to the people?,  No one is bothered about maintaining peace. These parties are not capable of protecting the city. They are just playing politics. Leaders of different communities should come together to address the issue, he said.

The two murder victims, Ashraf Kalai and Sharath Madiwala, were not involved in any incident and had been leading a quiet life.

There was no reason to target such innocent people, he felt and urged the government to pay at least Rs 25 lakh each to the kin of the victims. The clashes between two organizations and not because of two religions. Why are common people getting killed?,Hegde said.

The ongoing tension in Bantwal has not only affected the life of common man, but has brought a bad name to the district. The government should act tough against individuals and organisations fomenting trouble, he demanded.

Meanwhile, J.R. Lobo, Mangaluru South MLA, made a fervent appeal for the restoration of peace in the region saying that continued violence was detrimental to the development of the district.