CM Says Situation in Yellur Village Under Control
BANGALORE: The attack on policemen by Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) activists at Yellur village in Belgaum district reflects the pathetic law and order situation in the state, Opposition Leader K S Eshwarappa said on Monday.
As soon as the Council reassembled on Monday, Eshwarappa appealed to Chairman D H Shankaramurthy to allow him to make a preliminary submission on an adjournment motion on the issue.
He alleged that Kannada speakers in several villages bordering Maharashtra are facing threats to their life and property as the police are being intimidated by goons. MES activists have also targeted media personnel, he said.
The incident shows the failure of the state intelligence agency, he added.
“MES activists had reconstructed the name board declaring the village as a part of Maharashtra, despite a High Court order. I doubt whether the government is living or dead,” Eshwarappa said.
He alleged that instead of protecting Kannadigas, the police had directed them not to venture out of their houses. Taking strong objection to Eshwarappa’s outbursts against the government, Minister for Infrastructure and IT/BT S R Patil demanded that the Chair to take up the question hour before allowing any other issue.
“We are prepared to make a statement on the prevailing situation at Yellur village and the actions initiated by the government,” he said.
While the Opposition leader insisted the Chair to set aside all the other issues, ruling party members urged not to deviate from the rules.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah denied the charges of the Opposition leader. He said: “The situation at Yellur village is normal and under control." He said Home Minister K J George will make a statement on the issue after the question hour and added: "Let us not break the tradition of the House.”
The CM also informed the House that the Belgaum police have implemented the High Court order and removed the name board.
With impasse on whether to allow submission for adjournment motion or to take up the question hour, Shankaramurthy adjourned the proceedings twice in the morning.
JD(S) floor leader Basavaraj Horatti charged that the government is insensitive to the problems of Kannada speakers in Belgaum district.
CPI Condemns MES Vandalism
Bangalore: The Communist Party of India has condemned the vandalism by MES activists over the removal of the name board. In a statement issued here on Monday, CPI state secretary P V Lokesh said reconstructing the name board by MES activists was in contravention of the High Court directions. He urged the government to take stringent action against the activists and ensure the safety of passengers in state-run buses. “The vandalism shows that MES has gained confidence after the NDA came to power at the Centre. The CPI would protest such acts,” he said.
HC Slams Government’s Inefficiency
Bangalore: The High Court on Monday pointed out the inefficiency of the government and police in removing the name board. The Division Bench of Justices N Kumar and B Manohar was hearing a petition filed by RTI activist Bhimappa Gundappa Gadad of Belgaum.
On Monday, when the petition came up for hearing, the government pleader submitted that though the officials had removed the board, the villagers have placed another board. The court questioned the state about the steps taken by it and has now adjourned the case till next Monday.