Yahya Hallare

Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (EP)

Bhatkal, Feb 20: The false rumours spread against Rubella vaccination in the taluk reached serious proportions. Miscreants who came to vaccination campaign centre at Shams school on Sunday, February 19 tried to assault doctors, teachers and nurses who were present there.

The miscreants alleged that the campaign is the conspiracy by RSS and the union government to control Muslim population and asked Muslims not to let the medical staff to administer the vaccination.

Those who brought children for vaccination became anxious. Hundreds of parents went back home out of fear. Municipal council president Sadiq Matta, Inayithulla Shabandri, Imthiaz Udyavar, Nisar Rukmuddin and others tried to dilute the situation, but failed.

Doctors and nurses, who got disappointed with the behaviour of the miscreants, cancelled the campaign and went back. As Tahasildar V N Badkar reached the place, the miscreants expressed their anguish again.

Subsequently police officials arrived and conducted investigations.

The rumours over mobile phones in Bhatkal against the vaccinations started in the country on February 7 have raised suspicions. News such as adverse effects on children and death are being spread. Though there are no such incidents in the country, the propaganda in Bhatkal has not stopped.

Some people said that multinational companies who have alternative vaccines have indulged in conspiracy. Meanwhile some fanatics have created fear among Muslims causing problems for communal harmony.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Tahasildar held a meeting of leaders of minority institutions. He has warned of strict action against the guilty if the situation recurs.