A day after Sri Ram Sena protest, Karnataka govt allows Ganesh Chaturthi public gatherings

News Network
August 18, 2020

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Bengaluru, Aug 18: Taking a U-turn from its decision to to ban all public events for Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the Karnataka government on today allowed all public installations of idols in a restricted manner.

This development came a day after Hindu groups such as the Pramod Muthalik-headed Sri Ram Sena, staged protests in Dharwad area, questioning why the government which has allowed to open bars and liquor stores, could not allow public installation of Ganesha idols.

Last week, the state government had banned gatherings, apprehending public installations could lead to a spike in Covid-19 cases.

However, now the fresh guidelines state that public installations are allowed but not more than 20 people should gather at any given point of time. Ganesha idols must also not be over 4 feet high in public places (government/ public/ privately-owned grounds, street chowks), and not over 2 feet high in homes, it added.

Local representatives and officials have been asked to persuade citizens that only one public installation be allowed in each ward and each village. While the processions while buying or during immersion of idols will remain prohibited.

The government has also banned music, cultural, and other events as part of the Ganesha festival. And the idols must be immersed in designated tanks/ mobile tanks only, after being taken to the spot in the shortest possible route.

The government is yet to notify whether there is any change instance as far as observing Muharram is concerned, where public gatherings again had been banned. Muharram falls on August 29, a week after Ganesha Chaturthi.

Comments

Ahmed A.K.
 - 
Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020

if everything goes as per the requirement and demand of some anti social elements, then don’t expect any progress on reduction of Corona Virus cases in Karnataka.

Ahmed A.K.
 - 
Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020

If everything goes as per the requirements and demands of some anti social elements, then don't expect any progress on reduction of Corona Virus cases in Karnataka.

Ahmed A.K.
 - 
Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020

If everything goes as per the requirements and demands of some anti social elements, then don't expect any progress on reduction of Corona Virus cases in Karnataka.

Ahmed Ali Kulai
 - 
Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020

If everything goes as per the requirements and demands of some anti social elements, then don't expect any progress on reduction of Corona Virus cases in Karnataka.

Ahmed Ali Kulai
 - 
Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020

If everything goes as per the requirements and demands of some anti social elements, then don't expect any progress on reduction of Corona Virus cases in Karnataka.

Ahmed Ali Kulai
 - 
Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020

If everything goes as per the requirements and demands of some anti social elements, then don't expect any progress on reduction of Corona Virus cases in Karnataka.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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News Network
November 14,2024

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Bengaluru: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi led union government has requested the Karnataka High Court to direct the Mandya district administration and the state government to clear a madrasa operating within the premises of the historic Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna.

The Waqf Board, opposing this move, has claimed the mosque as its property and defended the right to conduct madrasa activities there.

The matter was brought before a division bench headed by Chief Justice N V Anjaria following a public interest litigation filed by a person named Abhishek Gowda from Kabbalu village in Kanakapura taluk. The petition alleged “unauthorised madrasa activities” within the mosque.

Representing the Central government, Additional Solicitor General of India for High Court of Karnataka, K Arvind Kamath argued that the Jama Masjid was designated as a protected monument in 1951, yet unauthorised madrasa operations continue there.

He noted that concerns over potential law and order issues have so far prevented any intervention. Kamath urged the court to direct the Mandya district administration to take action and vacate the madrasa from the mosque.

In defence, lawyers for the state government and the Waqf Board contested this request, stating that the Waqf Board had been recognised as the owner of the property since 1963 and, thus, conducting madrasa activities there is lawful.

After hearing both sides, the bench adjourned the case for further arguments, scheduling the next hearing for November 20.

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