2 outfits threaten protest against Tipu Jayanti

Two groups have threatened to launch an agitation against the government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti on November 10, stating that the move to celebrate a person "who massacred Hindus" and "destroyed their temples" insults their sensibility.

Citing a book by Lakshman Telagavi, the Chitradurga-based Rajaveera Madakarinayaka Gaurava Samrakshana Vedike said Tipu killed ruler Madakari Nayaka and looted the city for three days.

"Tipu and (his father) Hyder Ali killed thousands of people of Chitradurga. Tipu Jayanti insults our historical personalities, but the government has continued the celebration amid tight security. We will launch an agitation this year if the government goes ahead with its decision," convener Mahantesh Nayak warned.

The Bengaluru-based Tipu Jayanti Virodhi Horata Samiti said the Congress-JD(S) government's decision was wrong and described the ruler as "anti-Hindu". "No other king in the history of India has murdered so many Hindus and destroyed so many temples. We can't accept him as a freedom fighter. The government should avoid insulting the people of the state," it said.