Tensions In Karnataka's Belagavi Amid Border Dispute With Maharashtra
NDTV
A protest by pro-Maharashtra activists at Belagavi last night turned violent and over a dozen government vehicles were damaged in stone-pelting.
Large gatherings have been banned in Belagavi as the border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra touched its latest flashpoint after a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Bengaluru was smeared with ink on Wednesday night. While on one hand , PM Modi honored Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Kashi, and on the other hand our Maharaj is insulted in Karnataka...These angering scenes are from BJP ruled Karnataka's Bengaluru.We strongly condemn this !!High time the Hindus Arise and awake !! pic.twitter.com/HE5QdFcsxA
Pro-Maharashtra activists staged a protest last night at Sambhaji Circle in Belagavi, demanding arrest of those involved in the smearing of Shivaji's statue with ink. The protest turned violent and over a dozen government vehicles were damaged in stone-pelting.
Also, freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna's statue in Belagavi was damaged last night, adding to the tension in the area.
"I have given instructions to police to take strict action against those who damaged Sangolli Rayanna's statue here in Belagavi on Friday night. Strict action will be taken against those who smeared ink on Shivaji's statue in Bengaluru. I appeal to the people, for the sake of politics, don't insult legends like Shivaji Maharaj and Sangolli Rayanna," Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said.
