DC Prohibits Marathi Leaders from Holding Provocative Speeches in Belagavi

Belagavi: Belagavi Deputy Commissioner (DC) S Ziyaullah in an order prohibited the entry of any persons or groups with the intension to spoil linguistic harmony in Begavi district amid winter session of state legislature being held at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in the city from November 13. DC has also asked Marathi leaders not to hold provocative speeches in Belagavi as it could result in violence. 

The order came in the wake of Marathi Mahamelav (Marathi Convention) to be organised by Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) to exhibit Marathi identity and register protest against Kannadigas, Karnataka government. Marthi leaders, politicians, MES leaders and others are expected to take part in the mahamelav.

Deputy Commissioner might have released the prohibitory order as there is a possibility for anti Kannada speech during mahamelav which could create tensions among Kannadigas and Marthis in the district. MES reportedly made elaborate arrangements to conduct melav in Belagavi eve if it hasn’t obtained any permission from district administration to hold the event here.

Deputy Commissioner in the order released stated that there is also a possibility that clashes in the name of language which may create tensions followed by violence and loss of private, public property.