Karnataka celebrates Independence day

Bangalore, Aug 15 (UNI) Colourful cultural programmes by school childrens, blood donation camps and distribution of sweets to jail inmates marked the celebration of the 61th Independence day in Karnataka.

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

Minister for Fisheries Mujrai hoisted the flag in Manglore and 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-social forces and naxalites, which were active more particularly in the Malnad and coastal district of Udupi, were creating hurdles in the development of the state.

he said the BJP-JD(S) coalition government with pro-active measures during last 18 months was making efforts for the development of the state through various welfare measures.

''The State government will not tolerate destabilising efforts being made by these anti-social and naxalites elements, and stern action would be taken to contain them'', he warned.

He said for the first time in the history of the state, the coalition government had earmarked over Rs 10,000 crore for social infrastructure sector like 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 Independence day celebration.

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

UNI