'Border issues raised for survival of MES'

Bangalore, Sept 22: Leaders of various Kannada organisations today alleged that the Belgaum border issue was being raised by Maharashtra for the survival of Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES).

Addressing a joint press conference here, Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj alleged that ''the border issue is being raised for the survival of MES, which has been politically wiped out.'' Stating that widespread support had been received for the proposed October four bandh, he warned that agitations would be launched stage by stage untill the Centre implemented the Mahajan Commission report on the issue in toto.

Mr Nagaraj said the bandh was also to display the strength of Karnataka and against the ''stepmotherly'' treatment meted out by the Union Government, be it in release of funds to take up rehabilitation works in flood and drought affected areas or sanction of projects. ''For the Centre, Karnataka is not visible. It is giving importance only to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for release of funds,'' he alleged.

Exempting essential services like hospitals, newspaper distribution, ambulance service and milk supply from the bandh call, he, however, said railway and flight services would not be allowed to operate and in the event of the services operating, the authorities would only be responsible for any untoward incident.

Veteran freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, who was also present, strongly condemned the Centre's move to withdraw its affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on the border issue.

Akhila Bharat Dr Rajkumar Abhimanigala Sangha President Sa Ra Govindu, Kannada Rakshana Vedike President Prabhakar and leaders of various Kannada outfits extended their support to the bandh call.

UNI

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