Situation in Karnataka's Shimoga, Hassan areas peaceful

The situation is peaceful today in Shimoga and Hassan in Karnataka, which saw violence over publication of an article by controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen in a leading Kannada daily.

"The situation is peaceful. Security has been tightened to prevent any untoward incident. Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel are keeping a close watch," Shimoga superintendent of police S Murugan said.

In Shimoga, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa's home town, two persons were killed — one in police firing and the other in violence — over publication of the Kannada version of the article.

Murugan said around 50 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence and added that the dusk to dawn curfew imposed in four localities of Shimoga town has been extended till evening.

In Hassan, where prohibitory orders were imposed for three days since yesterday, the situation was under control with the deployment of Karnataka State Reserve Police force, superintendent of police Sharat Chandra said.

The authorities have sought assistance of Rapid Action Force to control the situation, he said.

An FIR has been lodged against the Kannada daily and also the Urdu newspaper which carried the article "hurting the sentiments of a religious community."