Sudhir Hegde, 54, is a devotee of Sringeri Mutt & assistant commissioner of police. This #Ramzan, he & his officers visited 19 mosques & many of 100 temples during Ramzan/Ramnavami. @SauravK1890 reports on a unique initiative.1/n
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As first apprehensive, then relieved, faithful at mosques watched as uniformed officers met them & joined in iftar. ACP Hegde brought his considerable experience in keeping the peace to bear in Madiwala, #Bengaluru
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At a time when #Hindu fundamentalists, aided by govt, have pushed or enforced #hijab ban, boycotts, demanded bans on halal meat & azaan over loudspeakers, Hegde’s personal touch helped locals recall inter-faith traditions. 3/n
“Celebrating festivals across faiths is what defines #India. It validates our diversity" says Hegde, who in 26 years as a policeman has served in several communally-sensitive areas & learned that peace does not come by accident or force. 4/n
“A communal riot has the most devastating impact. Other crimes can be forgotten, but even the anniversaries of communal riots are remembered. A crime affects an individual or a family, but a communal riot ruptures the existence of the whole society.” 5/n
The best antidote, said Hegde, was to ensure that the police remain a symbol of hope during festivals of all religions. 6/n
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