Protest against Chennabasappa disrupts traffic in Madikeri

Alleging insult to Kodavas in a book titled ‘Tippu Sulthan Aprathima Deshabhaktha’  by litterateur Ko Chennabasappa, members of various organisations staged a protest by blocking the road for one hour, at General Thimmaiah Circle, on Saturday. 

The protest was led by Tippu Vaibhavikarana Virodhi Samithi, Kodava Samaja, Hindu Jagarana Vedike, VHP and district BJP unit. 

Addressing the protesters, Tippu Vaibhavikarana Virodhi Samithi leader M B Devaiah said that the writer had insulted Kodavas. In his book he had claimed that Kodava people came to Kodagu from outside the country. This had hurt the sentiments of the people. Through his writings, he is spreading a wrong message,” he said. 

A few organisations who are seeking security to Ko Chennabasappa are trying to create communal flare-up in the district. A few organisations are conspiring to disrupt law and harmony in the district. Demanding action against Ko Chennabasappa and publisher, a case has been filed in Madikeri town police station.

“We are hopeful of justice,” he added. BJP leader Biddanda Usha Devamma said “the writer had misused the forum of Akhila Bharath Kannada Sahitya Sammelan at Vijapur to speak against Kodavas. Through his writings, he has made an attempt to distort history.” The protesters demanded the writer to apologise to the Kodava people. If he fails to seek apology, then the protest will be intensified during his visit to 80th Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, to hand over the charge.  SecurityTippu Sulthan Horata Samithi submitted a petition to the district administration seeking elaborate security to Litterateur Ko Chennabasappa, during his visit to literary convention. The committee members said that a few organisations are levelling false allegations against the writer. Demanding action against false allegations, the protesters took out a procession from A V School to DC’s office premises. 

Horata Samithi President Kunhi Abdulla said “If the writer had committed any mistake, then it should be solved legally. One should not engage in disrupting the traffic.” Joint Secretary Ameen Mohisin said “Tippu Sulthan was neither an anti-Hindu nor an anti-Kannada. He has contributed a lot to Kodagu. Those who do not have knowledge on history are levelling false allegations.” 

He challenged the protesters to come for an open discussion on the issue. A few organisations are sowing the seeds of hate keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The district administration should provide security to him during his visit to the district. 

Tippu Vaibhavikarana Virodhi Samithi had staged road block in Kushalnagar, Virajpet, Gonikoppa, Chettalli, Napoklu and Sampaje.