'Kannada literary meet should discuss on farmers too'

Writers urged to resolve against proposed changes in land ordinance

The forthcoming Kannada literary meet at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district from January 31 to February 3, should not just protect the interest of the language, but also farmers.

In a meeting held at the Institution of Engineers, Mysuru chapter, here, on Sunday, the Committee Against Amendment to Land Ordinance decided to exhort the Kannada Sahitya Parishat to discuss on the proposed amendment to the land ordinance and pass a resolution in the interest of the agrarian community.

It was among the 10 decisions taken during the meeting of the committee attended by a motley group of leaders including writer Devanur Mahadeva, former MP A H Vishwanath, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Shantala Damle, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leader K S Nanjundegowda, convener of Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore and others. The activists also burnt a copy of the gazette notification of the ordinance, expressing their anguish.

Lakshmana, who tabled and read out the decisions, said, from January 28, memorandum will be submitted to the President Pranab Mukherjee through the office of deputy commissioners of Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu and Hassan districts. On February 5, all the four borders of the city will be blocked for one hour.

If possible, Mysuru Bandh will be observed. Pamphlets will be distributed among the people at Mysuru and surrounding districts to create awareness against the ordinance. MPs of Mysuru-Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan constituencies will be petitioned, besides writing to all the 500-odd MPs against the same. In case any MP declines to consider the request, he or she shall be declared as anti-farmer.

Writer Devanur Mahadev gave a clarion call to all food consumers to join hands in the protest against the ordinance. The ordinance not only affects the farming community, but also the beneficiaries of agriculture, mostly food consumers. Launching a tirade against the Centre, Devanur said: “Such laws are a result of dictatorial attitude. Though laws were made earlier too, public opinion was considered”.

AAP leader Shantala Damle said, “The principles of the Constitution are being misused by the Centre”.
DH News Service