Tight security for 3rd Tipu Jayanti today

The state government is set to celebrate Tipu Jayanti for the third time on Friday even as the main opposition party, the BJP, has decried efforts to commemorate the birth anniversary of the controversial Mysore ruler.

With Assembly polls scheduled next year, the government does not want a repeat of 2015 when a VHP activist had died and several were injured in Madikeri in group clashes during the maiden Tipu Jayanti.

The government has ordered the police to ensure elaborate security across Karnataka, especially Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Chitradurga. Senior IPS officers will man these districts.

The police conducted flag marches in Mangaluru, Madikeri and Maddur.

ADGP (Law and Order) Kamal Pant said the entire force would be out to ensure the event goes off without a hitch. In addition, 6,000 home guards and 202 platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) will also be deployed. "Everyone, from myself to the newest constable, will be manning the streets to ensure there is no untoward incident," Pant said. "No police officer will be on leave."

The sensitive districts will see the deployment of additional forces, including three companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

"We have issued clear instructions that no permission will be given to any function other than the official ceremony. Orders have been issued to district heads not to allow any procession or protest rally," Pant added.