Reports of temple construction in Bangalore University: Activists write to VC demanding action
Bengaluru: Taking note of the reports of the construction of a temple on the premises of Bangalore University, several activists have written an open letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University adding that the construction was against the rules set by the UGC Act 2000.
In an open letter written to the VC of the University, the forum has added that the UGC Act 2000 bars educational institutions from having religious structures on campus, and despite this, a temple is reportedly being constructed in violation of this law in the Bangalore University premises.
The forum has also expressed shock over the development as the temple is being constructed on the premises of the university under the watch of the VC.
“The focus should be on setting up libraries and research centers on the university campuses not temples, churches, or mosques of any religion. We should construct what is required for the overall development of the students.” The letter stated.
“In your administration, the construction work of a temple is underway unnoticed by you and under the watch of police. Hence we are questioning your position. It is unfortunate that Bangalore University is in news for this reason.” It further told the VC.
The letter further added “Crematoriums have already been constructed on the premises of Bangalore University. Students are also claiming that there are tens of temples and marriage centers.
“What the students need is libraries, not fancy churches and mosques. As the head of the syndicate that runs the university administration, you have a huge responsibility. We are confident that by being in such a position you will adequately handle the basic objectives of the University without giving rise to any kind of controversy.” It added.
Earlier, the students and staff members of the Bangalore Agricultural University broke out and protested against the government's move to build a biotechnology park on the campus. We want to bring the matter to your notice that the government has withdrawn from its decision, the letter asserted.
“In this regard, the Honorable Vice-Chancellors should take this matter seriously and not give a chance to any government or non-governmental organizations behind the construction of this temple, if necessary, they should also consider taking legal measures to fix the issue,” the letter added.
The letter was signed by activists HM Venkatesh, HG Ramesh, CP Thippeswamy, MG Vasudev Murthy, Pradeep Mendonca, and Handralu Nagabhushan
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Nine Naxalites carrying cumulative bounty of Rs 43 lakh surrender in Chhattisgarh
Sukma, Jan 11: Nine hardcore Naxalites, allegedly involved in attacks on security forces and carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 43 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday, police said.
The cadres, including two women, turned themselves in before senior officials from the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) here, citing disappointment with "hollow" and "inhuman" Maoist ideology and infighting within the outlawed outfit, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said.
He said the surrendered Naxalites were also impressed by the state government's 'Niyad Nellanar' (your good village) scheme, which aims at facilitating development works in remote villages and stated that senior cadres were on backfoot with the increasing pressure of security forces and setting up of police camps in interior areas.
The official said Ransai alias Oyam Buska (34), the commander of platoon no 24 of Maoists, and Pradip alias Ravva Rakesh (20), a member under a company wing of PLGA battalion no. 1, were carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh each.
He said four other cadres carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh, a woman Naxalite carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh, and two others, including a woman, carried a bounty of Rs 2 lakh each.
Chavan said Ransai was allegedly involved in attacks, including the Jhara Ghati ambush in Narayanpur district in 2007, wherein seven policemen were killed; the 2007 Ranibodli (Bijapur district) attack, in which 55 security personnel died; the 2017 ambush in Burkapal (Sukma), where 25 CRPF personnel were killed and the 2020 Minpa ambush (Sukma) that killed 17 security personnel.
The other surrendered cadres were also involved in multiple attacks on security forces, he said.
Personnel from Konta police station, District Reserve Guard (DRG), Intelligence Branch Team and 2nd and 223rd battalions played a crucial role in their surrender, he said.
The official said the surrendered Naxalites were provided Rs 25,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government's policy.
Last year, 792 Naxalites had surrendered in the Bastar region, comprising seven districts, including Sukma.
