MYSURU:The killing of scholar and academic Prof M M Kalburgi has shaken the literary community. Several writers and intellectuals have expressed shock over his death. Several of them called their friends and fellow writers in Hubballi-Dharwad and a few media houses in Mysuru to confirm the death.
JSS Suttur Mutt seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji said that Kalburgi’s death is a great loss to Kannada literature and the state. Calling Kalburgi a great researcher and a leading intellectual who had carried out research in Sharana and Vachana literature, he said Kalburgi also did extensive research on sculptures.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University, D Javare Gowda, said the killing is an attempt to create fear psychosis among intellectuals who raise their voice for truth and justice. Recalling that Kuvempu had also spoken more on religion and caste than Kalburgi, Gowda demanded that the government give protection to writers. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda expressed shock over the incident. He said the attack on Kalburgi has proved beyond doubt the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Attack on Culture
Noted writer Devanooru Mahadeva said the attack on Kalburgi is an attack on the state’s culture. Expressing shock over the incident, he said the government should give utmost importance to the investigation and nab the assailants.
He feared that any lapse in investigation or failure to nab the culprits would send a wrong message and give an edge to criminal forces.
Kannada Kriyasamithi, Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum and Zilla Kannada Sahithya Parishat have condemned the killing.
They charged that those against Kalburgi’s ideology and observations have conspired to eliminate him. Suspecting that some hidden forces are behind the attack, the forums also demanded a CBI probe.