Independence day celebrated with gaity in Karnataka

Bangalore, Aug 15 (UNI) Colourful Cultural programmes by school children, Blood donation camps and distribution of sweets to jail inmates marked the celebration of the 60th Independence day in Karnataka.

While Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy unfurled the national flag at Manickshaw Parade ground in the state capital, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa hoisted the tricolour in Shimoga.

Minister for Fisheries and Mujrai speaking on the occasion in Mangalore after unfurling the national flag honoured nine veteran freedom fighters from the district.

The Medical Education Minister Dr V S Acharya, speaking after hoisting the tri-colour, cautioned that anti-development, anti-social forces and naxalites more active particularly in the Malnad and coastal district of Udupi were creating hurdles in development of the state, though the BJP-JD(S) coalition government with pro-active measures during last 18 months was making its efforts for the development of the state through various welfare measures.

"The State government would not tolerate and keep quiet on the destabilizing efforts being made by these anti-social and naxalites elements and stern action would be taken to contain these forces", he warned.

He said that for the first time in the history of the state, the coalition government had earmarked over Rs 10,000 crore for the social infrastructure sector of health, education and sanitation.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge unfurled the national flag in the party office, while BJP State President Sadananda Gouda hoisted the tricolour in the party office.

In Gulbarga, Minister for Agriculture Produce Marketing Sharnabasappa Darshanapur led the district celebrating the 60th Independence Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to develop the backward Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

UNI