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Act against church attackers: Governor

Special Correspondent

‘Secularism, basic structure of our Constitution’
‘My duty is ensuring constitutional principles’

Hans Raj Bhardwaj

Bangalore: Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj has sought stringent action against the persons responsible for desecrating churches near Mysore, and Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district, and reminded the State government of its constitutional duty to deal with those who disturb communal peace.

In his Republic Day address after unfurling the tricolour on the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here on Tuesday, the Governor said: “I have no doubt that the law-enforcing agencies will act with promptitude against the offenders. Secularism is the basic structure of our Constitution and it is my duty to ensure that the constitutional principles are followed by all concerned in letter and spirit.”

In his address, the Governor emphasised that people enjoy their basic freedom and right to practise their respective religions. “This is the basis of our democracy and there is no room to violate this fundamental principle of governance of our society.”

Karnataka had for long been distinguished for its tolerant and peace-loving citizens. Though people from all communities and faiths had lived here for centuries in harmony, “it has been reported to me that on a single day on January 25 some fresh attacks were made on churches near Mysore and Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district,” the Governor said.

Overwhelming response

Referring to the flood havoc in 12 districts of north Karnataka, he said that the State administrative machinery needed to be galvanised. There was an overwhelming response from the public in terms of donations.

He said that north Karnataka was still lagging behind in infrastructure. Air, road and rail connectivity were important to integrate the State and develop the northern regions. Work on airports in Shimoga, Gulbarga, Bijapur and Hassan, which were being developed on PPP model, needed to be accelerated.

Yeddyurappa sees plot

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has termed the attack on churches in Mysore and Uttara Kannada districts “a pre-planned conspiracy hatched by an organised group to disturb peace” on the eve of Republic Day celebrations.

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