Bandh threat looms over Tipu Jayanthi celebrations

The State Government is determined to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi on November 10, but M Abhimanyu Kumar, Chairman, Tipu Jayanthi Virodhi Horata Samithi, has called for a Kodagu Bandh and for ‘jail bahro’ if the event were come to pass.

Kumar’s organisation’s opposition to the celebration is shared by many other factions in the state. However, the state remains largely divided on the issue of the celebration. Speaking to the media on Monday, he said that the District Chamber of Commerce, Bus owners Association and many other organisations have supported the call for the bandh. In the press meet he also opposed the decision of the police to lodge cases against the protesters.

Announcing their agenda for the bandh day, he mentioned that the protesters would start their protest by conducting worship in all the temples of the Kodagu district. He added that the worship and bandh would be dedicated to the slain VHP leader DS Kuttappa, who was brutally attacked and hacked to death for protesting against last year’s Tipu Jayanthi celebrations in Kodagu.

KS Ganesh, a social activist, cited ₹ 34 lakh as the expenses incurred in last year’s Jayanthi celebrations and observed that it could be spent in a better manner.

He suggested the government to provide houses and education for needy poor Muslim people, rather than wasting the tax payers’ money on celebrations such as this. Ganesh also warned that a celebration of the Jayanthi would mean digging up some bitter memories for the Kodavas whose ancestors were butchered by Tipu Sultan. He advised the government not to instigate the emotions of the Kodavas who were known for their peace and harmony. 

• bandh
• protest
• Tipu Sultan
• Tipu Jayanthi
• strike