'Government will act tough against anti-social elements'

Home and District In-charge Minister G Parameshwara said attack on Dalits and minorities is posing a threat to national integration.

Moral policing by some organisations are condemnable as these acts are disturbing peace and harmony in the society. The government will take stringent action to curb anti-social elements, he said while speaking after unfurling the national flag at the 70th Independence Day programme organised at the district playground in the city on Monday.

He said soldiers have been protecting the borders in harsh weather and many have even laid down their lives. He offered tributes to the martyrs from the state—Subedar T T Nagesh from Hassan, P N Mahesh from Mysuru and Hanumantappa Koppad.

“Independence is an obligation. It should not be mistaken for liberty. The citizens, especially the youth, should take a pledge to protect the independence,” he added.

Parameshwara said called for strengthening the country by binding minds. The fruit of the progress achieved by the country in the last seven decades in various fields should be accessible to all classes of the society, he remarked.

He said Gandhiji’s visit to Chikkamagaluru during the freedom struggle is a memorable event in the history of the district. The Father of the Nation had delivered his speech at the place were the deputy commissioner’s office complex stands today, he recalled.

Parameshwara said law and order has been strengthened  in the state. The government has formed the Anti Corruption Bureau to control corruption for good governance, he added.

Development works

Referring to development works, Parameshwara said the government has set a record by building 8.5 lakh houses in the last three years. The target is to complete 15 lakh houses in five years, he added.

He said about 96% of the UGD work is complete in the town. A project to provide water from Kadur and Birur towns from Bhadra river has been executed successfully. Administration approval has been given for Upper Bhadra project to irrigate 58,000 acres of agricultural land in Tarikere taluk.

The project will supply water to 82 lakes, he said. Parameshwara said basic facilities to the tourist places to boost tourism. Earlier, he received the guard of honour from the police.

Students of various schools performed group dances on patriotic songs. MLA C T Ravi, MLC M K Pranesh, Zilla Panchayat President Chaitrashree Malathesh, Malnad Development Board Chairman B C Geeta, State Coir Development Board President Kadur C Nanjappa, CMC President M R Devaraj Shetty, CDA President D S Chandregowda, TP Presidnt E Mahesh, DC G Satyavati, SP K Annamalai and Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr R Ragapriya were present.