Tension over installation of freedom fighter's statue in Karnataka village
Belagavi: Tension prevailed at a village in Belagavi district bordering Maharashtra on Friday, with a section of people objecting to installation of a statue of 18th century warrior and freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna.
Police resorted to lathi charge to bring the situation under control.
According to official sources, some admirers of Rayanna installed his statue at a road junction in Peeranwadi during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.
A section of others raised objections as the news spread, leading to tension in the area.
Those objecting, largely Marathi speaking, are opposed to the location where they want to install a statue of Maratha ruler Shivaji, after whom the circle is named.
They also have apprehensions that its name too may be changed in future. Realising that the situation was turning tense with some skirmish breaking out, police used batons to disperse the gathered crowd.
According to officials, they also tried to calm the protesters stating that the statue has been installed without requisite permission, the issue can be dealt with legally.
An FIR has been booked in this regard and action will be taken, they said.
Additional forces have been called in to avoid the situation spiral out of control.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said in Bengaluru that he will speak to the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner to resolve the issue amicably.
Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said police have taken stringent measures to control the situation, and that he has spoken to Belagavi Police Commissioner and IG, also ADGP Law and Order is visiting the area.
"All necessary police bandobast is being made....." he said, adding that the administration was making all efforts to resolve things peacefully by taking everyone into confidence.
On August 15, police thwarted attempts to install Rayanna's statue there, citing absence of permission from the authorities for the same, and also Supreme Court directions against such moves near highways.
This had led to protests in different parts of Karnataka by pro-Kannada organisations, especially in Belagavi, which has a sizable Marathi-speaking population.
District in-charge Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi had said on Thursday a decision to install the statue will be taken on August 29 within legal parameters and as per the guidelines of Apex Court.
Sangolli Rayanna (1798-1831) was the army chief of the erstwhile Kittur Kingdom ruled by Rani Chennamma and fought against the British who hanged him to death from a Banyan tree near Nandagad in Belagavi district in 1831.
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UT Khader to attend Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, concludes study tour in South Korea
Bengaluru: Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, UT Khader Fareed, is set to participate in the upcoming 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney, Australia, from November 5 to 8, 2024.
Representing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Karnataka branch, Speaker Khader recently concluded a study tour in South Korea to strengthen Karnataka's international relations and explore collaborative opportunities.
During the visit, Speaker Khader met with the Indian Ambassador to South Korea, Amit Kumar, IFS, on October 27 in Seoul. According to a press release from P. Omprakash, Advisor to the Speaker and former Secretary of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral ties between Karnataka and South Korea, with discussions covering key sectors like education, trade, healthcare, and information technology.
Speaker Khader emphasized Karnataka’s interest in establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with South Korean universities, aimed at promoting collaborative academic programs and expanding job opportunities through affiliated colleges.
Both sides also exchanged views on potential investment opportunities and the infrastructure and economic landscape of their respective regions. The discussions highlighted hopes for strengthened ties between Karnataka and South Korea, and building future partnerships in various fields.
