Lawyers launch dharna

Udupi, Karnataka, Aug 13 (UNI) The members of Udupi Bar Association today launched an indefinite dharna in front of the District Court to protest the 'non-responsive attitude of the state government to their demand for action against the erring ANF (Anti-Naxal Force)' for allegedly assaulting two advocates along with 11 other advocates at Kigga Falls.

Association President Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, addressing the members of the Bar, said the dharna would continue till their demands were met.

Mr Hegde demanded the government take action against the ANF officials before any inquiry by a committee headed by Mr Dilip, the in-charge SP of Udupi.

''We are not opposing the arrest and legal action against those lawyers found guilty in the incident,'' he clarified.

Mr Hegde charged the ANF officials with violating human rights by their 'brutal actions against the two lawyers.' The ANF officials have also filed false cases on the visiting lawyers, he said.

The department should immediately suspend the erring ANF officials and initiate action against them before any inquiry, he demanded.

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