Kodagu to boycott Rajyotsava against govt 'apathy'

Madikeri, Oct 17 (UNI) The Kodagu Existence Committee today called for a Kodagu bandh on November one, celebrated as Rajyotsava (the Karnataka Formation Day) to protest against government ''apathy'' in the development of the hilly region.

In a meeting held under the leadership of Dada Belliappa of Bangalore Kodava Samaj and Vasu of Gowda Samaj here, the leaders unanimously decided to boycott Rajyotsava to register their protest.

The meeting was called mainly to discuss the government's 'failed assurance' to withdraw two circulars denying the right over 'Jamma Lands' to its holders.

Though former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had assured to recall the circulars in a cabinet meeting, it was not implemented, leaders said.

''We are not demanding a separate state, but the apathy in taking up developmental works and 'negligence' towards Kodagu region are leading towards it (caling for a bandh).

Former minister M C Nanaiah regretted that the Chief Minister's order carried 'no value.' '' November one will be observed as 'Black Day.' The government should not implement Greater Cauvery Project, which will harm the society.'' K G Bopaiah, MLA, alleged that officials were harassing people and demanded sacking of the erring officials. ''The Jamma Land issue cannot be solved as long as Revenue Secretary Jamdar continued in his post,'' he said.

Most of the land held by the people of the Kodagu region, known for its coffee estates and orange orchards, actually belong to the government. The people were holding agitations demanding that the government transfer the land to them.

UNI