Home Minister's effigy burnt over book issue

Bidar, Karnataka, July 13 (UNI) The bandh call given by various organisations in protest against 'Anu Deva Horganavanu', a literary work by writer Banjagere Japayrapash, evoked good response in Bidar district today.

Though the bandh passed off peacefully, sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported.

The Agitators, who alleged that the book contained distorted facts about the caste of parents of 12th century social reformer Basvaeshwara, took out a procession demanding ban on the book. They also burnt an effigy of Home Minister M P Prakash, who they alleged had taken indifferent stand on the issue.

The agitators submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and demanded immediate ban of the book, which according to them had hurt the sentiments of large sections of people, mainly those belonging to Veerashiva community.

Commercial establishments and educational institutions were closed in Bidar, Bhalki, Basavakalyana, Humnabad and Aurad towns.

However, state government offices and banks functioned normally.

Miscreants pelted stones at a Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation had cancelled the bus services in the entire district during the bandh.

UNI