Mangalore has a large population of Muslims and Christians as well.

Once known for communal harmony, the city - whose flowers were grown by Christians, sold by Muslims and bought by Hindus - and other areas of the district have become highly volatile in the last few years.

For the first time, churches were attacked this year by right-wing Hindu groups alleging attempts at conversion and disrespect to Hindu deities.

Mangalore is also now caught in a controversy over Muslim girl students wearing head scarfs to colleges.

A college in Bantwal, about 50 km from Mangalore, early this month barred a first-year graduation student from attending the classes wearing a head scarf.

The 19-year-old Ayesha Ashmin is insisting that she be allowed to wear the scarf and has sought the intervention of Mangalore University officials and district authorities.

The principals of colleges affiliated to the university are meeting in the next two days to find a solution to the issue of dress code on their campuses.