‘Jagrutha Nagarikaru Karnataka’ condemns police action on Pro-Palestine program in Ranga Shankara
writes open letter to CM
Bengaluru: A day after the Bengaluru Police denied permission for a program scheduled at Rangashankara in the city, aimed to protest against Israel's recent actions in Palestine. ‘Jagrutha Nagarikaru Karnataka’ organisation has written a letter to the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharmaih condemning the ban.
Led by artists MD Pallavi, Shwetanshu Bora, and Ramnik Singh, the program featured a literary fest and a short play.
On Thursday, leaders of 'Jagrutha Nagarikaru Karnataka,' including Dr. K. Marulasiddappa, Dr. G. Ramakrishna, Dr. Vijaya, Prof. S.G. Siddaramaiah, Prof. Rajendra Chenni, Dr. Banjagere Jayaprakash, Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi, Dr. K. Sharifa, and other progressive thinkers, expressed their concern in an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In the letter, they demanded that the police department in the state should refrain from suppressing protesters and should protect the constitutional rights of the citizens.
The letter stated, “The forceful suppression by Karnataka Police of peaceful protests advocating for the Palestinian people being held by social activists is causing a major concern among the public. People are expressing their sympathy and compassion for the sufferings of the Palestinian people at a global level.”
The open letter further expressed difficulty in accepting the horrific killings in Palestine, stating, “ it is hard to accept the horrific killing of children and women in Palestine by Israel. Not only global citizens but also Israelis and Jews are also protesting in America and other countries condemning the attacks by Israel.”
In the letter the organisation has made an unanimus request to stop the attack immediately.
Expressing dismay at Karnataka Police’s actions,the letter further emphasized that at a time when the Government of India is retreating its support to the Palestinian people, the Karnataka Police is suppressing peaceful gatherings in support of Palestinian people.
Questioning whether the state has its own policy, the letter added, Peaceful demonstrations by various organizations in Bengaluru city, Sagara and Tumakuru were stopped by the Karnataka Police and the protesters were arrested. This means that there is a doubt whether the state of Karnataka has its own foreign policy.
The letter also points out that the Police is having a lenient behavior towards right wing groups, and are suppressing the real freedom of expression of citizens.
The letter further stressed on the government's duty to protect constitutional freedoms against violence, aggression, and atrocities.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
ALSO READ: IndiGo board ropes in external aviation expert for flight disruption probe
Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
