Why are Belgaum and some disputed regions in Karnataka in news now?
On Sunday (July 27), at Yellur in Karnataka, police lathi-charged a group of pro-Maharashtra supporters who threw stones at them after a 'Maharashtra Rajya' plaque they had re-erected was removed by the district administration on Saturday. The original plaque was razed to the ground by the public works dept on Friday following a high court order.
What is the dispute?
The Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute is five-decade old. The region in Karnataka has about 20 lakh Marathi-speaking people who want it to merge with Maharashtra.
What does Ajit Pawar want?
The Maharashtra deputy chief minister wants the disputed region to be declared a union territory till differences are sorted out. Pawar said if people in the region wants to join Maharashtra, their demand should be placed in the right platform. The Cong-NCP govt in the state also condemned the action of the Karnataka police. On Wednesday (July 30) it passed a resolution at a cabinet meeting condemning the act.
What is Shiv Sena's grouse?
A Sena leader said Karnataka govt was not providing Marathi medium schools in the region facilities. Pro-Maharashtra people are also not permitted to put up banners in Marathi or hold Marathi functions. According to Sena, the majority of people in that region speak Marathi, and Kannada culture is no match for Marathi culture!
What has Sena done?
The party has requested prime minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the issue and has also demanded action against Karnataka police for its 'terror and coercive act'.
Sena leader denied permission
Meanwhile, Sena leader Divakar Rawate who went to the disputed region to address a rally was denied permission by the Karnataka police, who said his presence could create law and order problems. Rawate was told that whatever he wanted to do, he could do in Maharashtra. Subsequently, Sena held a bandh in Kolhapur on Friday to protest against Karnataka govt action.
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