Siddaramaiah assures protection to Tamils in Karnataka
- Siddaramaiah has informed the Sangam leaders, who met him at his residence, that a suo moto case has been filed against culprits who had assaulted a youth Santosh Deena for posting comments on Cauvery issue.
- He has also requested the Tamil Sangam to reach out to Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa to ensure protection to Kannadigas in her state.
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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday assured Tamil Sangam of protection for Tamils in the state in the wake of violence in the city following a Supreme Court direction to release 12000 cusecs of Cauvery water everyday for next ten days to Tamil Nadu.
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Siddaramaiah also informed the Sangam leaders, who met him at his residence, that a suo motu case has been filed against culprits who had assaulted a youth Santosh Deena for posting comments on Cauvery issue on Facebook on September 10.
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A suo motu case has been filed against the persons who had assaulted Santosh, Sangam President George Damodaran told reporters here.
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The youth was allegedly beaten up by culprits as he had questioned Kannada film stars for protesting over Cauvery issue.
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Siddaramaiah also asked the Sangam leaders to petition Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to give protection to Kannadigas living in Tamil Nadu, Damodaran said.
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"We are petitioning the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister via email," he said.
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The Chief Minister has directed the police to maintain law and order and provide security to Tamils living in the state, the Sangam President said.
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Damodaran said he also brought to the notice of the chief minister the "provocative" statement of Narayana Gowda who is heading 'Karnataka Rakshana Vedike'.
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Gowda had reportedly said the situation that prevailed in 1991 should prevail and all Tamil films should be stopped from screening to teach them lesson.
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In 1991, during Bangarappa's tenure as chief minister, anti-Tamil violence had taken place in Bengaluru in which 18 people had died and hundreds fled.
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Earlier on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had written to Siddaramaiah, demanding security for Tamilians in his state in view of violent protests over Cauvery water dispute.
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In the letter she reportedly wrote:Â "hotels and properties belonging to Tamils in Karnataka are being attacked and damaged. This is an alarming situation and is causing considerable anxiety."
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"I am concerned that the situation in Karnataka is serious with several instances of mob violence targeting Tamil speaking persons and their properties," she said.