Maha-K’taka border dispute: Security tightened as pro-Kannada activists set to swarm Belagavi

Belagavi: Police security has been tightened following the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike calling for a large-scale public meeting in Belagavi in the wake of the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute.

More police personnel are deployed at Hirebagewadi and Koganolli check-posts in Belagavi.

Karnataka Rakshna Vedike had announced that from Bengaluru the Kannada activists would leave for Belagavi in 100 vehicles on Monday evening. Similarly, the Kannada activists from all districts would reach the destination.

T. A. Narayana Gowda, the President of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike had stated that in case the government allows the Maharashtra ministers to enter, the Kannada activists will not let them in. Many Kannada organisations have warned the state government in Karnataka that they will not be responsible for any consequences if the Maha ministers are let into the state.

In this background, the police have been deployed in large numbers to stop the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists near Hirebagewadi Toll Naka.

Activists are rushing to Belagavi heeding Karnataka Rakshna Vedike’s call. Narayana Gowda along with large group of activists is arriving from Dharwad. Activists from various places including Bengaluru, Hubli, Dharwad, Gadag, and Haveri will arrive in Belagavi.

It is gathered that there is a high possibility that the activists will be stopped at Hirebagewadi Toll Naka and detained.

(with IANS inputs)