CM visits strife torn Haveri

Hubli, June 11 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yadiyurappa today refused to order a judicial probe in to the yesterday's firing at Haveri town, about 75 km from here, in which a farmer was killed and another five sustained bullet injuries injured.

Congress had yesterday demanded a judicial probe into the firing incident. "I am confident that the official probe now ordered will bring out the truth," he said.

The Chief Minister who visited Haveri town today drove straight to the house of Siddalingappa Choori (34) who was killed in the police firing yesterday.

He promised the family members that a governor job would be provided to the wife of the farmer and their daughter would be given education at state's cost.

"I have also agreed to put up a statue of the farmer near the town bus stand," he said.

He reiterated that some political vested interests was trying to create confusion in the minds of people and farmers of the state in a systematic manner. There was a plot behind these violent incidents in which farmers did not take part, he said.

Later talking to newspersons at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) here, where the injured persons in the firing incidents are undergoing treatment, he said the government had already ordered a probe by an officer of Divisional Commissioner rank and there was no need for a judicial probe in the matter.

The official had been asked to submit the detailed report on firing within ten days, he said.

Holding the President's rule in the state during the last seven months as responsible for shortage of chemical fertiliser, he said the new government has not kept quite, as alleged by the opposition, on the issue.

"I had met the Prime Minister and informed about the shortage. I had also instructed deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to ensure that there was no hoarding of fertiliser and sowing seeds.

When asked whether the firing incident in Haveri could have been avoided, Mr Yeddyurappa shot back saying, "I will get back to you (reporter) on receiving the inquiry report on the firing incident after ten days." On scarcity of fertiliser in the state, he said that he was leaving for Delhi immediately and meet the Prime Minister this evening.

"I will also be convening an all party meeting on the issue in Bangalore within three days," he said.

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