Maharashtra-Karnataka border row; Deshmukh hopes for justice

MUMBAI: Maharashtra will definitely get justice in its legal battle on the border dispute with Karnataka, state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has said.

"The state and the government is firmly behind Marathi-speaking people in border area of Karnataka", Deshmukh said after felicitating around 70 senior citizens who participated in the sanyukta (united) Maharashtra movement on Monday night.

This struggle waged by Marathi-speaking populace in Karnataka, who are seeking merger of their areas in Maharashtra, is unique in world history, Deshmukh said.

"The struggle has been going on for 45 years. Belgaum municipal corporation was dissolved by that government just because people voiced their feelings (for merger with Maharashtra)", he said.

"The case is before Supreme Court and we are hopeful of getting justice", Deshmukh said.

Deputy chief minister R R Patil said Karnataka Government had perpetrated atrocities on Marathi-speaking people, which were more inhuman than the cruelty done by the Britishers during the freedom movement.

"Kumaraswamy had to demit office but the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, which is fighting for the cause of Marathi-speaking people, is intact", Patil said.

Some of those honoured at the function said the battle of getting a united Maharashtra along with Mumbai will be incomplete till Marathi-speaking areas like Belgaum, Karwar and Nipani are merged with Maharashtra.