Tipu Jayanti to be held on Fort premises in Madikeri

No public programmes; tight security across Kodagu district

 The district administration has made all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of Tipu Jayanti on November 10. But the people are apprehensive as the voice against Tipu Jayanthi is getting louder.

In the backdrop of violence during Tipu Jayanti last year, the district administration has decided to invite only 200 people for the programme scheduled to be organised at Fort premises in the city, Deputy Commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza said.
The district administration is yet to finalise the list of invitees, he stated.

Tight security

Superintendent of Police P Rajendra Prasad said checkposts have been opened at 10 places. CCTV cameras have been installed at all strategic locations Madikeri. The vehicles which enter Madikeri would be inspected. High alert is sounded across the district. In the backdrop of the DC’s order, procession has not been granted to hold public programmes in the distirct, he added.

According to a highly placed source, the district administration is mulling over issuing passes for the invitees. It has been decided to conclude Tipu Jayanti programme within a few minutes.

Section 107 has already been clamped in Madikeri. The police have already collected written statements from 120 people, including rowdysheeters who were part of violence during the Tipu Jayanti last year.

Security has been beefed up in the district. Forty KSRP platoons and Rapid Action Force contingents have been deployed to maintain law and order.

To instil confidence among the people, the police personnel carried out a route march on Friday.

The district administration is not issuing permits for any public programmes in the disrict. The organisations are allowed to submit memorandum in front of the district office complex only. The district administration has also banned the installation of banners and posters at public places.

The DC has also directed the police to inspect lodges and homestays across the district. The homestay owners have been directed to maintain a record of address of
the visitors. The district administration has not given permission for holding a procession prior to Tipu Jayanti celebrations.

The checkposts have already been opened at Maldare, Kutta, Aanechowkooru, Siddapura, Koppa, Shirangala, Kodlipete, Shanivarasanthe, and Sampaje. Four CCTV cameras have been installed in each checkpost. The address of the vehicles are written down at the checkposts. The security has been strengthened at border areas of Kutta and Makutta.

Kuttappa Martyr Day planned

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishat and Bajrang Dal leaders in Kodagu district have decided to observe ‘Kuttappa Martyr Day’ on November 10. MLAs Appachu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah have already announced that they will not allow Tipu Jayanthi in the district.

Somwarpet Taluk Panchayat has resolved to oppose Tipu Jayanti amid the opposition by the Congress and JD(S)members. In the bacdrop of row over Tipu Jayanti, the number of tourists visiting the district has decreased. Only a few visitors were seen popular spots like Raja Seat, Abbey Falls, Bhagamandala, Talacauvery, Dubare and Fort in the last eight days.