Karnataka - Belgaum   

MES observes `Black Day'

Staff Correspondent

It was also observed in Khanapur and other border areas

MARK OF PROTEST: Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi members leading a cycle rally while observing `Black Day' in Belgaum on Wednesday.

Belgaum: As usual, the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES) observed Karnataka Rajyotsava Day as "Black Day" here on Wednesday. They demanded that the Centre announce Central rule in Belgaum until the Supreme Court gave its verdict on the suit filed by Maharashtra.

In contrast to the poor attendance witnessed during past few years, a large number of Marathi-speaking people turned to take part in the "silent cycle rally" from Sambhaji Udyan and culminated at Maratha Mandir auditorium, near railway overbridge.

The district police had put restrictions on taking out rallies in other parts of the city to avoid confrontation between Kannada and Marathi workers in view of the recent violence in Khanapur and Belgaum city.

Reiterates demand

Later, the MES held a meeting and reiterated its demand for transfer of Bidar, Bhalki, Nippani, Belgaum, Karwar and adjoining areas to Maharashtra.

Those who led the rally included MES leaders Manohar Kinekar, MLA, and former MES Mayor Vijay Pandurang More. The MES observed "Black Day" also in Khanapur and other border areas of the district.

When told about the apprehension that some government-aided Marathi medium schools were not observing Rajyotsava day, official sources said that they could act only if such incidents came to light.

It may be recalled that some Marathi medium schools, allegedly at the instance of MES, had not celebrated Rajyotsava Day last year and were served notices by the Education department.

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