Belgaum: Minister for Horticulture and district incharge Shashikant A. Naik has promised to take steps to prevent Marathi-speaking leaders from the district and Maharashtra from indulging in provocative speeches and instigation, leading to violence against Kannada-speaking people.

The assurance came in response to the demand from representatives of various Kannada organisations, led by Belgaum District Kannada Organisations Action Committee, here on Saturday, for the arrest of speakers who delivered provocative speeches during the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES) sponsored "Yuva Melava" in Khanapur on Thursday.

He told the Kannada organisations that though he was aware of the proceedings of the Yuva Melava and the subsequent violence in Khanapur and Belgaum, causing damages to government and private vehicles, he would ascertain the facts through video clippings on these incidents in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, Inspector-General of Police and Superintendent of Police.

Mr. Naik said he would take a decision on allowing the cycle rally by MES workers on November 1 after consultation with the district and police officials.

The MES had been organising cycle rally while observing Rajyotsava Day as "Black Day" every year. However, the then Superintendent of Police Mr. Narayan had denied permission once in 1986. But, subsequent SPs continued to allow the cycle rally.

Mr. Naik assured to trace the "source" of funding for anti-Karnataka activities by MES in the light of reports of illegal activities in boundary areas.

Rajyotsava procession

On the demand for preventive measures during the Rajyotsava procession, which is expected to evoke large response in view of the State Government celebrating "Suvarna Karnataka" this year, the Minister promised adequate security arrangements so that no untoward incident took place in the city.

Those who spoke included action committee president Ashok Chandargi, Belgaum district Kannada Rakshana Vedike President Rajeev Topannavar, former Corporator Ramesh Sontakki, E.A. Chikkanna and T.T. Murkatnal.

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