Belagavi: Protest on Dec 12 against alleged suppression of Panchamasali community

Belagavi: The Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha’s Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji has announced a statewide protest on December 12, condemning the alleged suppression of the Panchamasali community by the Congress government through police actions. As part of the protest, state and national highways, as well as roads in villages and taluks, will be blocked.

Swamiji urged the community to teach the government a lesson by organizing a road blockade protest. Addressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Swamiji demanded clarity on whether the government could provide reservation for Panchamasali Lingayats. He warned that the community would choose a government that fulfills their reservation demand.

Swamiji expressed anger over police actions during earlier protests, claiming that farmers, lawyers, and women from the community were subjected to lathi charges, leaving many with severe injuries, including fractures and head wounds. He accused the Congress government of orchestrating violence against the Lingayat community, which he described as deeply hurtful.

According to Swamiji, the government attempted to suppress the protest by blocking vehicles from reaching the protest site, resulting in reduced participation. Despite this, thousands gathered and demonstrated peacefully.

Swamiji alleged that the police crackdown showed intent to escalate the situation, yet the community remained steadfast in its peaceful protest. He criticized the government for attempting to crush their movement and demanded the suspension of the ADGP and Police Commissioner responsible for the alleged suppression.

The Swamiji also called for the immediate release of detained community members and assured that treatment costs for the injured would be borne by the community. He reiterated that their demands for reservation would not be silenced by force.